What is ‘homework’ spelled backwards? Debunking viral claim about ‘krowemoh’

“A TikTok trend is circulating a claim that the word ‘homework’ has a dark connotation in Latin when spelled backwards.”

In July 2024, there is a buzz on TikTok claiming that ‘krowemoh’ (spelled backwards for ‘homework’) has a sinister meaning in Latin.

The strange gossip has been circulating on different social media platforms, causing users to question its validity.

What Does ‘Homework’ Spelled Backward Mean?

According to TikTok users, the word ‘krowemoh’ spelled backwards supposedly means “child abuse” in Latin. However, a fact-check by Reuters has revealed that this claim is incorrect. ‘Krowemoh’ does not have any meaning in Latin or any other language, and it should also be noted that the letter “w” is not a part of the Latin alphabet.

The roots of this assertion can be traced back to 2013, when a Twitter/X user posted a joke that read: “So essentially, ‘Homework’ spelled backwards is ‘krowemoh,’ which is translated to ‘child abuse’ in Latin.”

So basically “Homework”spelled backwards is “krowemoh”which in Latin translates to “child abuse”

— mal (@mallorymac97) March 18, 2013

In 2021, the claim resurfaced when TikToker 80beat shared a viral video, which received over 435,000 views and 41,700 likes.

Despite stating in his bio that his videos should not be taken seriously, his post sparked renewed attention towards the false translation, leading some individuals to genuinely believe in its accuracy.

@80beat
what is homework backwards #Homework #Backwards #SpelledHW

♬ original sound – BeatO

In the year 2024, the myth regained popularity thanks to a Short posted by YouTuber Jaydagoat130 on July 13th. His video quickly gained over 254,400 views and 21,000 likes, resulting in its widespread circulation on TikTok.

Despite being debunked multiple times, the claim continues to circulate, with several content creators producing videos about it and viewers expressing doubts about its credibility in the comments.

TikTok has a history of false claims going viral, and this is not an isolated incident. Throughout the years, the app has witnessed numerous misleading trends gaining traction, such as the zombies in China trend, the fake Porcelain challenge, and the ‘what killed Barney the Dinosaur’ craze.