FAQ
How do I play?
Every morning at 7 AM Central, a new word drops in your inbox. You'll see the word and four possible definitions. One is real. Three are fakes. Pick the one you think is real. If you're wrong, you get two more chances.
Is it free?
The daily game is free, and always will be. If we ever add premium extras down the road, they'll be exactly that. Extras. The game you're here for costs nothing.
Why should I subscribe?
First, subscribers get Mister Lexicon's Unsolicited Advice delivered in the newsletter before you play. It's not a hint per se, more of a small nudge that shifts how you think about the word without giving away the answer.
Second, you'll get access to your streaks, stats and badges, as well as the global stats of all players. These stats allow you to know how you stack up against all players worldwide, and give you bragging rights.
Third, you'll never miss a word, which helps keep your streak alive. Every morning at 7 AM Central, a new word drops in your inbox.
What's the deal with the fake definitions?
We believe that the best way to start your day is with a laugh, so our fake definitions use a patent pending (probably not really, but sounds fun) structural formula that makes each fake not only plausibly real, but entertaining in its own right. They exploit how the word sounds, what it looks like, and what your brain desperately wants it to mean. If you've ever been absolutely sure about an answer and been absolutely wrong... that's not a bug. That's the game working exactly as intended.
I got the word wrong. Now what?
Now you own the word, and you get to use it. In fact, research shows you remember things you got wrong more vividly than things you got right. The word that humbled you today is the word you'll casually drop into conversation next month like you've known it your whole life. As it is with most things in life, losing is just learning wrapped in short term disappointment.
Can I play old words?
Yes. The archive is on the site. Fair warning: knowing there's no time pressure takes some of the thrill out of it. Some. Not all. You'll still get fooled by the fakes. NOTE: Archived words do not affect your streak or stats, though it might earn you a badge.
How do I share my results?
After you play, you'll see a share card with your result. Copy it and send it to whoever needs a laugh. Share it with a friend, a coworker, or even your nemesis Gary. Definitely send it to Gary.
What's a streak?
Play every day and your streak grows. Miss a day and it resets. We won't guilt you about it. The streak counter, however, has no such restraint.
What are badges?
Badges are earned, not given. They show up on your share card so everyone knows what you've accomplished. We'll launch with a variety, and add more over time. They're blingy, fun and let you brag, so you'll definitely want some.
The Founding Lexicographer badge is special. It's only available to people who subscribe before launch. After that, nobody can earn it. Ever. If you're reading this before launch and you haven't subscribed yet, you know what to do. If you're reading this after launch, we're sorry. We really are. A little.
What are player tiers?
The more you play, the higher your rank. You start as a Word Rookie. Play enough and you'll climb through Vocabulary Apprentice, Syllable Sharpshooter, and Diction Tyrant until you reach the top: Lexicon Assassin. It sounds dramatic because it is.
I have a word suggestion.
We want it. Reply to any newsletter email with your word and we'll look into it. If we use it, we'll do our best to credit you. If we don't, it's because we already had it on our list. We have a HUGE list. Or we rejected it. Or we're saving it for later.
Something isn't working.
Reply to any newsletter email or contact us at hello@wordsamwhat.com. Describe what happened. Screenshots help. Frustration is understandable. We'll fix it.