The Journey of 'Yeet' to Scrabble: An Update on Word Verification
The dictionary that powers the thrilling world of Scrabble is a bastion of linguistic discipline. This February, a new word is set to enter the realm of accepted vocabulary, marking an exciting milestone in the evolution of the game as we know it. Yeet, the verb meaning 'to throw especially in an overly forceful manner without concern for the breakability of the object,' will finally become a valid Scrabble word. This expansion exemplifies the enriching nature of Scrabble and its ongoing relevance in modern language.
The Verdict: Yeet is Coming to Scrabble
After months of anticipation and linguistic analysis, it is official: Yeet will be included in the official Scrabble dictionary by the end of February 2024. This includes the extensions Yeeted and Yeeting. As players around the world eagerly await this addition, they can prepare for some inventive plays and a more dynamic game. The excitement doesn’t end there; these words not only enhance the game but also reflect modern language and usage.
Wilt: A Reverse Letter Play
While Yeet is making its way into official recognition, another word, Wilt, illustrates a fascinating aspect of the game's flexibility. Wilt is a well-established word in English language dictionaries but can also be played in reverse as Tliw. Though Tliw may not last long on the board, its inclusion showcases the game's innovative rules that allow for any combination of letters to form a playable word.
The Official Dictionaries: A Scrabble Lexical Cave
As thrilling as the inclusion of Yeet is, it underscores the intricate process behind such additions. There is an official Scrabble dictionary on the internet that recognizes all playable words, including Wilt. However, becoming a word in official Scrabble play requires stringent adherence to a designated list maintained by a specific committee. This list is comprised of six official dictionaries, which must all contain a word for it to be added to the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD).
The Dictionaries That Matter
The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD) is one of two official word lists in North America, alongside the The Official Tournament and Club Word List (TWL). While the OSPD is more conservative and excludes certain words deemed offensive, the TWL includes them, offering a broader range of vocabulary for players. The other English-language list, Collins Scrabble Words, contains over 100,000 additional words and is used worldwide.
The Process of Word Addition
The process of adding a new word to the OSPD is rigorous. The word must appear in the majority of the six official dictionaries mentioned above. It's a key requirement for its inclusion, but the journey isn't over there. Does Yeet make the cut? As of now, the committee that curates the official dictionary remains the final judge, and Yeet is yet to be officially sanctioned.
The Evolution of Linguistic Rules
With the inclusion of Yeet and the flexibility of plays like Wilt and Tliw, it's clear that Scrabble is evolving. The game remains a testament to the power of language and the ongoing development of English. As we await the official sanctioning of Yeet, players and enthusiasts can look forward to a more dynamic and inclusive lexical landscape in Scrabble.