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There are certain two-word phrases we hear frequently that weβre used to hearing or reading in a certain order. These are called irreversible binomials.
These are phrases in which the words must appear in a particular order.
They become such a part of the vocabulary that it would seem odd to see or hear them in the opposite order. They go together like carrots and peas. Wait β that isnβt right, is it?
The term βirreversible binomialβ was introduced by etymologist and philologist Yakov Malkiel in 1954. But the phenomenon had been discussed since at least 1903 under different names: a βterminological imbroglio.β1
In a previous edition of Off the Clock, I wrote About Ablauts, or the required order of similar sounding words from the same root. Like ping pong or flip flops. That was based on vowel order.
There is so such hard and fast rule with irreversible binomials; we simply say or write them in a particular order because thatβs how theyβve become familiar phrases.
Psst. Hey, if you refer others here, you can earn free access to the & Guildβour members-only tier:
Letβs explore some irreversible binomials and the reasons they exist. Maybe you can suggest more.
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