Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Palindromes
Apr 14, 2021
Dive into the world of palindromes, where even names hold a playful twist! Discover their Greek and Latin roots and how these quirky phrases have fascinated linguists throughout history. Hear about amusing anecdotes, palindrome competitions, and the creativity behind crafting them. Explore everything from ancient Roman examples to the longest palindromes created by computers. Get ready for a delightful mix of wordplay and whimsy that showcases the joy of language!
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Real Palindromes
- Real palindromes are words, phrases, or even poems that read the same backward and forward.
- They originate from Greek, with "palin" meaning back and "dromos" meaning running.
First Palindrome
- The first documented palindrome, from 70 CE, is Latin: "Sator Arepo Tenet Opera Rotas."
- Its meaning is debated, but it showcases the ancient interest in wordplay.
First English Palindrome
- The first English palindrome appeared in a 1706 dictionary: "Lewd did I live and evil did I dwell."
- It has imperfections, like a dropped "L" and the conjunction "and," but was accepted.