A palindrome is a word or phrase that is spelled the same both forward and backward. West Island News put together a list of palindromes you probably never knew fell into this curious linguistic category! We use most of these on a regular basis, and yet tend to overlook their mirrored spelling.
Let us know in the comments which palindromes on the list surprised you and stay tuned ‘til the very end for an especially ironic palindrome example.
1. Civic
Adjective - Of or relating to a citizen, a city, citizenship, or community affairs.
2. Level
Verb - to make (something, such as color) even or uniform.
3. Radar
Noun - a device or system consisting usually of a synchronized radio transmitter and receiver that emits radio waves and processes their reflections for display and is used especially for detecting and locating objects (such as aircraft) or surface features (as of a planet).
4. Racecar
Noun - a very fast car that is used in professional auto racing.
5. Rotator
Noun - a person, device, or part that rotates or causes rotation.
6. Refer
Verb - to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group.
7. Madam
Noun - LADY —used without a name as a form of respectful or polite address to a woman. (Merriam-Webster)
8. Kayak
Noun - a light, narrow boat that has both ends tapered to a point, is propelled by a double-bladed paddle, and often has a closed top except for an opening in which the paddler sits with the legs extended straight out in front.
9. Stats
Noun - STATISTIC —usually used in plural.
10. Aibohphobia
Noun - Ironically, Aibophobia is the irrational fear of palindromes (words, verses, sentences, or numbers that read the same backward or forward). The aiboh comes from reversing phobia, thus playfully turning the fear's name into a palindrome itself.
If it were up to us, palindromes would get you extra points in Scrabble.
Let us know what palindromes you come across. You’ll never look at a word the same way again!
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