Rime-reversal

A wordplay technique in which a word or phrase with multiple syllables keeps each syllable's onsets (the initial consonant or consonant cluster, if any) in place, while the rimes (the vowel and any following sounds of each syllable) are reordered in reverse sequence. For syllables that begin with a vowel, the onset is considered empty, and only the rime is reversed.

Original word 1: armor

- Onsets in order: " ", "m"
- Rimes in order: "ar, "or" > Reverse to "or", " ar"

Rime-reversal result: ormar

Original word 2: armory
- Onsets in order: " ", "m", "r"
- Rimes in order: "ar", "or", " y" > Reverse to "y", "or", "ar"

Rime-Reversal result: ymorar (Pronounced imorar since the 'y' retains the /i/ vowel sound)

by PonpaErostar March 11, 2026