Q: A word or phrase that reads the same forward or backward is a palindrome — racecar, kayak and level are examples. What is the term for a word or phrase that spells different words or phrases forward and backward? An example would be "evil," which spells "live" in reverse. — N.H.J., Stuart, Fla.

A: There are several terms that would fit, but my favorite is the word "semordnilap," which is itself a semordnilap of "palindromes." Another example is "desserts" and "stressed."

Q: If I had a fear of overworking, what would I have? — W.E., Mays Landing, N.J.
A: A fear of working to exhaustion is called "ponophobia."