ambigram

noun

am·bi·gram ˈam-bə-ˌgram

plural ambigrams

: something (such as an image of a written word or phrase) that is intended or able to be oriented in either of two ways for viewing or reading

When flipped upside down, it can create the same image, or may form a new image entirely. A very basic ambigram is the word "mom" which can be flipped to say "wow."—

Sara Gadzala

… we created ambigrams and printed the ads upside down in magazines. At first glance, the reader sees a positive phrase. But when the ad is inverted, the copy reveals a sentiment quite the opposite …—

Michael Zhang

Did you know?

There is little ambiguity about the origins of the word ambigram—it was introduced by cognitive scientist Douglas R. Hofstadter in his 1985 book Metamagical Themas: Questing for the Essence of Mind and Pattern, in which he wrote of the “pleasing activity of doing ambigrams, where shapes must be concocted that are poised exactly at the midpoint between two interpretations.” Since then, ambigram has been used primarily to refer to an image of a written word or phrase that either forms the same word or a different word when reflected or turned upside down. For instance, when reflected, bud turns into dub, while Malayalam reads the same both ways. And when turned upside down, swims reads the same, while wow turns into mom. Some ambigrams are natural (such as dollop), while others can be designed or created with calligraphy. Calligraphic ambigrams are quite popular and are often used as logos or tattoo designs.

Word History

Etymology

ambi- + -gram

Note: The word was apparently introduced by the author and cognitive scientist Douglas R. Hofstadter (born 1945) in chapter 13 of the book Metamagical Themas: Questing for the Essence of Mind and Pattern (New York, 1985).

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ambigram was in 1984

See more words from the same year