Anagram

Although de Saussure's work on anagrams is now a reference work, there is still room for considerations on a writing process that seems at first quite harmless and sterile, although used in problem-solving tasks. In fact, false etymologies are typical of a anagrammatic interpretation, as seeing a »mare« (female horse) in »nightmare«. The same process is at work in the literal reading (defusing) of a metaphor (false teeth/false pearls) or idioms (cf. running late). And of course, in the making of puns. Many public figures (including writers) have resorted to anagrams for their pseudonym.

Numerous conspiracy theories have been built in part upon the theory that writers unconciously reveal themselves by anagram-matically confessing in otherwise innocent texts. Take your own last bit of writing and see what evil you have wrought.

Anagrams relate to various forms of thought or writing, as shown by the »anastrophe«, or reversal of the usual order of words, or the alliteration: »anathematized anatomy«. Etymological thinking is also a derisive tool when not applied as a serious method of knowledge: the Greek meaning of »anatomy« was »cutting up«. From that point of view, anagrams are concretions of analogies, in a way similar to metaphors and similes. Parallel thinking is not far, as are word-games invented by the Surrealists and deconstruction.

No one should be caught without his anagram tool; when this happens, you can always make it up, by reading somebody's writing and dissecting it. All it takes is a sharp mind and an analytical eye. Even if one of these items is missing, you can resort to dyslexia. Making a »tool« a »fool«. And imagine how boring can be Plain Text. In fact, even borrowed anagrammatic tools can be useful, as veil-->evil, and reading the paper become a new experience. Sense-shifting and homophonic substitutions can work as well. Of course, these are destructive methods and serious thinking takes quite a blow, as well as authority figures.