© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

The unexpected origins of Lorem Ipsum, the world's most famous filler text

CMYK color guide and lorem ipsum text. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
CMYK color guide and lorem ipsum text. (Getty Images)

“Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet.” It’s a string of text that’s become ubiquitous. Designed as a placeholder for work-in-progress documents, those quasi-Latin words now appear on mugs, tote bags and T-shirts. But why did this particular passage of bastardized Cicero become the industry’s default?

For years no one was quite sure, until science communicator Emily Zhang got to the bottom of it. Host Indira Lakshmanan talks with Zhang about the investigation she recently published on “Rabbit Hole,” a YouTube channel she created.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2026 WBUR

Here & Now Newsroom