Backward Name

There are a few words that, when you read them backward, are the same word. These are called palindromes, and a few popular examples include “madam,” “radar,” “civic,” “kayak,” and “racecar.” But what do you call a word that, when read backward, is a different word entirely? It’s called a semordnilap.

Some examples of this are “diaper,” which is “repaid” backward, or “desserts,” which becomes “stressed.” Ironically, “semordnilap” is just the word “palindrome” backward! However, it seems like many of the guests at this party weren’t too impressed with Tony’s understanding of words. Or maybe his delivery was what creeped them out!