Object

Get the most points by identifying real definitions and getting others to fall for your fake definitions.

 Setup

Cut up some small slips of paper, and distribute pens and paper slips among all the players. Appoint one player to be the first word-giver.

 Game Play

1. The word-giver leafs through the dictionary (or uses an online word-generator like this weird random word generator) to find a suitable obscure word. The word-giver reads the word aloud and spells it out.
2. On their slip of paper, every player should write the word for the round at the top, and then write a plausible (and perhaps humorous) definition for that word below. Then players should write their initials in a bottom corner, fold their paper in half to conceal the text, and pass it to the word-giver.
3. The word-giver should also write the word on their slip of paper, along with the real definition, and then add it to the fake definitions collected from other players.
4. Once all the definitions are submitted, the word-giver shuffles all the definitions, and reads each one aloud. Then the word-giver may need to read all the definitions through more than once to give players a chance to identify what they think is the true definition
5. Going clockwise from the word-giver, each player states which one they believe to be the true definition (this may be a bluff). The word-giver puts a tally mark on each definition every time a player chooses it. When all players have chosen, the word-giver reveals the true definition and awards points.
6. Word-giving duties advance to the next player going clockwise. Play continues until every player has had a turn at being the word-giver.

 Scoring

Players get one point for guessing the true definition and one point each time another player guesses their definition. The word-giver gets two points if no player guesses the true definition.

 Variations & Clarifications

• If any players are familiar with the word that the word-giver chooses, they should speak up (on the honor system) so that a different word can be chosen for the round.
• The group may agree to establish a time limit for writing definitions if the game is moving along too slowly.
• It’s in the word-giver’s best interest to make the fake definitions sound as convincing as possible. The word-giver is strongly advised to read through all of the submitted definitions before reading them aloud. This allows the word-giver the chance to ask the submitter in advance for clarity on any unclear or illegible definitions.
• Instead of playing until everyone has been clue-giver, this game may also be played until someone reaches a predetermined number of points.
• For a more casual game, or if players will be joining and leaving the party as it goes, this game may also be played without scoring.