Anagrams are different from other literary devices. They are considered a clever, witty, and catchy way to grab and hold a reader’s attention. Anagrams play on words in a way that it often creates humor or makes a powerful statement, but they are a lot of fun to work with, too.
What is Anagram?
An anagram is a word or phrase whose letters can be rearranged to create a new word or phrase. In order to be an anagram, the original word or phrase is typically the subject of the new word or phrase. Example: William Shakespeare becomes “I’ll make a wise phrase.”
Of course, this may not always be the case. The word anagram can be rearranged to read nag a ram. But seriously, who would want or need to nag a ram? So, in cases, an anagram can make no logical sense but create humor.
How to pronounce Anagram?
When do writers use Anagrams?
Anagrams can be difficult and tricky to master. In writing, writers may use them to either hide or reveal character traits. For example, the character name, Alfred Milianyo can be rearranged to spell, “I am a loyal friend.”
Anagrams are intended to be clever, so they may make a point about the writing itself or create a new word or phrase with special meaning. They may also be used to create humor, make a name or phrase more memorable, or send a thought-provoking message. Other reasons a writer might use anagrams include making commentary on events, restating the obvious, or embedding mystery into the text.
How to Create an Anagram?
Like many other literary devices and tools, anagrams can be challenging at first. However, once you get the hang of it, creating anagrams is easy.
When developing your anagram, there are 2 rules you must remember:
- The new word or phrase must spell something understandable, no made-up words or gibberish allowed.
- All of the letters of the original word or phrase must be used.
While keeping these rules in mind, craft your anagram carefully. When working with anagrams, writers need to be selective and use them sparingly. They are meant to be used with a particular tone in mind.
Are There Multiple Types of Anagrams?
Curiously enough, there are actually several types of anagrams. These include:
- Commentary – This occurs when a writer uses an anagram to take a satirical or critical take on a subject. The most noted example is: The American fast-food giant McDonald’s = Digest and ton of fat and random chemicals
- Synonyms – Often referred to as synanagrams, this type of anagram can be a lot of fun. Example: angered = enraged
- Antonyms – As with real synonyms and antonyms, this type of anagram is the opposite of its counterpart and is commonly referred to as an antigram. Example: Funeral = real fun
- Full Phrases – Full phrase anagrams are trickier than they sound. These rearrange the first half of a phrase to create a complete sentence. Example: For the evil that men do → doth live on after them
- Names – Name anagrams are probably the most fun. While character names are a popular target for anagrams, authors may also rearrange the letters of their own name to create pseudonyms. A famous example is that of Jim Morrison who is often referred to as “Mr. Mojo. Risin.”
Anagram in Song 🎧
For a fun song and great teaching moment, watch this super cute video about Grama An’s:
Anagrams in Fim and Pop Culture 🎥
While it can be difficult to locate examples of anagrams in literature and poetry, that is not the case in other mediums. Throughout Hollywood and Pop Culture, there are many examples of anagram. Let’s take a look.
In Film:
- “Inconceivable!” is an anagram of “I cannot believe!” – The Princess Bride (1987)
- “Neo” =”One.” – The Matrix (1999):
- “Tom Marvolo Riddle” = “I am Lord Voldemort” – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
In Pop Culture:
- McDonald’s = Old Man Scram
- Jim Morrison = Mr. Mojo Risin
- George Bush = He bugs Gore (most definitely not intentional, but pretty funny)
More Examples of Anagrams in Everyday Life
- Dormitory = Dirty room
- Astronomer = Moon starer
- Signature = A true sign
- School student = Tends to slouch
- Gentleman = A gentle man
- Saintliness = Least in sins
- Asteroid threats = Disaster to Earth
We hope you’ve enjoyed this sampling of fun and educational anagrams.
Often Confused with and Related to Anagrams 👥
While it may sound like it would be difficult to mistake an anagram for something else, because it is a type of wordplay, it is quite commonly done. The following are literary devices frequently confused with and related to the anagram.
- Acronym – Created when the first letter of each word in a phrase is used to create a new word. Example: NASA = National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Palindrome – A word or phrase that reads the same backward and forward. Example: Racecar
- Homophone – Words that sound alike but are spelled differently. Example: “there” and “their”
- Homonym – Words that are spelled alike but have different meanings. Example: rose = the flower or the past tense of “to rise”
FAQ 🤔
What is an anagram in literature?
An anagram is a word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase, typically resulting in a new word or phrase that is semantically related to the original. It is used as a literary device to add layers of meaning, reveal hidden connections, or for playful effect in text.
How are anagrams used in literature?
Authors use anagrams to infuse deeper meaning, create connection between characters and themes, or to engage the reader with puzzles or hidden messages. They can serve as symbolic links, foreshadowing, or merely as an intellectual or humorous play on words within a narrative.
Can anagrams have any significance beyond being a word play?
Yes, anagrams can carry significant weight in literature, often used to reveal deeper truths, character connections, or plot twists. For example, they can symbolize the dual nature of a character, hidden identities, or encrypted messages key to understanding a story’s deeper meanings.
What is the difference between an anagram and other word plays?
Unlike other word plays that rely on sound (puns) or spelling (palindromes), anagrams specifically involve rearranging letters to form a new word or phrase. The creativity in anagrams lies in the transformation of letters to uncover new meanings or connections, rather than in phonetic or visual similarity.
How can I create or solve an anagram?
To create an anagram, start with a word or phrase and rearrange its letters to form a new word or phrase that holds meaning or relevance to the original. Solving an anagram involves identifying the original word or phrase from its jumbled letters. Both processes often require a deep understanding of language and a creative approach to deciphering or constructing meaningful word play.