Dictionary
The host takes a word from the dictionary that nobody knows, everyone writes a plausible definition for it — and then they hunt for the real one.
The opens the dictionary and finds a word none of those present knows. They say only the word itself. Everyone writes a definition for it — one that would pass for the dictionary's; meanwhile the host copies out the real one.
The definitions are then shuffled, the host reads them out in a row, and the group votes for whichever seems genuine.
The game rests on two different skills at once. You have to write the way dictionaries write — dryly, without jokes and without a spare word, because any liveliness gives the author away. And you have to spot the same in other people's texts, knowing that the real definition is somewhere among them and looks just as dull.
Rules of the dictionary game
What you need
Paper and a pen for everyone, a dictionary for the host.
Choosing the word
The host looks for a word in the dictionary whose meaning is unknown to the rest. If anybody admits to knowing it, another is taken — the round is spoilt otherwise.
The host says the word aloud and copies out the real definition word for word.
The definitions
Each player writes their own — short, in the manner of a dictionary, unsigned.
The slips go to the host, who shuffles them together with their own.
The reading
The host reads out every definition in a row, in random order, marking the real one in no way at all.
On request they read again — but the whole set, not one of them.
The vote
Everyone names the number of the definition they take to be the real one. Voting for your own is not allowed.
Scoring
- 1 point — for spotting the real definition;
- 1 point — for every vote cast for your invented one.
The next round
The host takes a new word and it all begins again. A game usually runs to between six and ten words, after which the points are added up.
Instead of a dictionary
The same game is played with poetry: the host reads two lines of a little-known poem, everyone writes a continuation, and the real one is hunted among them.
Worth knowing
How many words make a game is agreed beforehand — usually six to ten. Whether the host votes and scores is nowhere stated; passing the role round the table settles the question by itself. What to do when somebody's invention happens to match the real definition is decided on the spot.
Glossary of terms
- A false definition
- An invented meaning written so as to pass for the dictionary's.
- The host
- The player with the dictionary. They choose the word, copy out the real definition and read everything aloud.