WordPlay: WORDZ
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This WordPlay report compiles and defines what LexiConnexxions and many Spelling Bee players refer to as "WORDZ" – that is, words in the Spelling Bee lexicon that are derived from onomatopoetic constructions, or formed from pronunciation spellings, or similar processes.
Some Bee players deplore the presence of these “wordz” in the Bee; others think they’re fun.
The complete list of words on this topic is shown at right (on laptop or desktop) or at the end of the page (on mobile); the same list with definitions is given below. Bee words marked with an asterisk have been used in at least one Spelling Bee puzzle, then subsequently disallowed; they are retained here for historical interest.
The complete list of words on this topic is shown at right (on laptop or desktop) or at the end of the page (on mobile); the same list with definitions is given below. Bee words marked with an asterisk have been used in at least one Spelling Bee puzzle, then subsequently disallowed; they are retained here for historical interest.
ABOUT THE LEXITOPICS PROJECT
WORDZ in the Spelling Bee lexicon
AARGH: M-W: variant of argh, used typically to express frustration, disappointment, anguish, or painACHOO: or less commonly ahchoo, used to represent the sound of a sneezeAHCHOO*: or more commonly achoo, used to represent the sound of a sneezeAHEM: used especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassmentAHOY: interjection used in hailing [a “hoy” is a small usually sloop-rigged coasting ship]BAZOO*: a sound of disapproval: a raspberryBLAM: a sudden loud noise: usually used as an interjectionBLECH: used to express disgustBOOP: not in M-W (unabridged), but NOAD includes it as follows: an exclamation, said when a person gently pokes someone, especially on the nose, as an affectionate gesture: “boop!”BOOS: plural of boo, an interjection, used to express contempt or disapproval or to startle or frightenGEEZ: less common spelling of jeez; used as a mild oath or introductory expletive (as to express surprise); euphemism for JesusGOTTA: pronunciation spelling, —used for "got to" in informal speech and in representations of such speech (You've gotta be [=you must be] kidding me.)HUMPH: interjection: used to express doubt or contempt; also, to utter a humph, or to utter (something, such as a remark) in a tone suggestive of a humphKABOOM: the sound of an explosion or crash (heard a loud kaboom) —often used interjectionally (…the minute you build an emergency fund—kaboom! Along comes an "emergency.")OUCH: interjection, used especially to express sudden painPFFT: Not in M-W; Collins has: Interjection, informal, used to suggest a sudden ending or fizzling outPHEW: interjection, used to express relief or fatigue, or used to express disgust at or as if at an unpleasant odorPHOOEY: interjection, used to express repudiation or disgustWAHOO: chiefly Western US: —used to express exuberance or enthusiasm or to attract attentionWHAM: a solid blow; also, the loud sound of a hard impact; also, to propel, strike, or beat so as to produce a loud impact; to hit or explode with a loud impact; also, variants or whammo: with violent abruptness (everything was going well; then wham the deal fell through)WHAMMO: variants or wham: with violent abruptness (everything was going well; then wham the deal fell through)WHEE: interjection —used to express delight or exuberanceWHEW: a whistling sound or a sound like a half-formed whistle uttered as an exclamation (gave a long whew when he realized the size of the job)—used interjectionally chiefly to express amazement, discomfort, or reliefWHOA: cease or slow a course of action or a line of thought: pause to consider or reconsider —often used to express a strong reaction (such as alarm or astonishment)WHOOP: a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation —often used interjectionally; also, to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment: to shout; also, to utter or express with a whoop; to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoopWHOOPING: a loud yell expressive of eagerness, exuberance, or jubilation —often used interjectionally; also, to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment: to shout; also, to utter or express with a whoop; to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoopWOOHOO: M-W hyphenates woo-hoo, interjection,—used to express exuberant delight or approval; Collins has woohoo, in British English, exclamation,informal, an exclamation of joy, approval, etc.WOOT: interjection, —used to express joy, approval, or excited enthusiasmYAHOO: interjection: yippee —used to express exuberant delight or triumphYECCH: variant of yech, interjection, —used to express rejection or disgustYECH: variants or yecch, interjection, —used to express rejection or disgustYEEHAW: or less commonly yee-haw: interjection,—used (as by cowboys or in imitation of cowboys) to express exuberant delight or excitementYIPE: a noise made by or as if by yiping, to cry out sharply especially from surprise or pain, —used interjectionally in both singular and pluralYIPPEE: interjection —used to express exuberant delight or triumphYOOHOO: M-W hyphenates yoo-hoo, interjection —used to attract attention or as a call to persons; Collins also hyphenates; NOAD hyphenates
WORDZ in the Spelling Bee lexicon
AARGHACHOOAHCHOO*AHEMAHOYBAZOO*BLAMBLECHBOOPBOOSGEEZGOTTAHUMPHKABOOMOUCHPFFTPHEWPHOOEY
WAHOOWHAMWHAMMOWHEEWHEWWHOAWHOOPWHOOPINGWOOHOOWOOTYAHOOYECCHYECHYEEHAWYIPEYIPPEEYOOHOO