Josh Wardle, a software developer from New York, invented Wordle during the coronavirus lockdown in order to have a game for him and his partner to enjoy. The game was released to the public in October 2021 and quickly became a global sensation, with players sharing their answers and tips on social media. In January 2022, The New York Times acquired Wordle for a low seven-figure sum, though the game remains free for players. Players have found success in Wordle by strategically choosing starting words that include commonly used vowels and consonants, as well as drawing on phonics knowledge to narrow down possibilities based on feedback.
Erhan Aslan, an applied linguistics teacher at the University of Reading, offered advice for Wordle players, emphasizing the importance of choosing a strategic starting word and utilizing phonics knowledge to narrow down possible answers based on feedback. As players receive feedback after guessing, they can eliminate certain possibilities and focus on specific consonant clusters that may appear in the target word. Each day, players are given hints to help them solve the daily puzzle, such as the second and third letters being the same, the answer containing two vowels, and suggestions related to animals and water. The game encourages players to improve their performance over time and provides a fun challenge for word enthusiasts.
A specific Wordle puzzle example is provided, with the hints included to guide players towards the answer. In this particular puzzle, the answer is “otter,” a word defined by Merriam-Webster as a type of aquatic carnivorous mammal with webbed and clawed feet and dark brown fur. The example puzzle demonstrates the fun and engaging nature of Wordle, challenging players to think creatively and strategically in order to solve the daily puzzles. As players work through the hints and clues provided, they are able to deduce the answer and improve their word-solving skills over time.
The simplicity and addictiveness of Wordle have contributed to its widespread popularity, as players around the world engage with the daily puzzles and share their experiences on social media. The game’s acquisition by The New York Times further solidified its status as a beloved word game, while still remaining accessible to all players for free. Wordle’s appeal lies in its combination of challenging puzzles, strategic thinking, and linguistic knowledge, making it a favorite pastime for word enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. As players continue to navigate the puzzles and hints provided in Wordle, they can test their word-solving skills and enjoy the satisfaction of cracking each daily puzzle.
