A dictionary of Marshall McLuhan’s quotations

All words have an appearance quite independent of their meanings. It is only the hieroglyuphic languages where the shape and meaning merge. Hidden, therefore, in all the shapes of our words are strange associations. For example, “look” spelled backwards is “cool” and “diaper” spelled backwards is “repaid” and “lap dog” is “god pal.” These reverse patterns affect us when we are not paying attention.
“The Genuine Original Imitation Fake,” DEW-Line Newsletter, May-June, 1970, p 4
Year: 1970
Chapters: Fake | Language
↪ Also at #3204
Compiled by William Kuhns
© 2026, The Estate of Marshall McLuhan