Wordle, a word-guessing game that has taken the world by storm, was originally created by New York-based software developer Josh Wardle during the coronavirus lockdown as a form of entertainment for himself and his partner. Released to the public in October 2021, Wordle quickly gained a dedicated following from players around the globe who would share hints and results on social media each day. This popularity eventually led to Wardle selling the game to The New York Times in January 2022 for a significant sum, although it remains free to play for users.
Expert linguist Erhan Aslan, who teaches at the University of Reading in the U.K., provided some valuable advice for Wordle players. Aslan emphasized the importance of carefully choosing the starting word, suggesting that words with commonly used vowels and consonants, as well as known sound sequences, may be more helpful. He also highlighted the significance of phonics knowledge in narrowing down word possibilities based on feedback received after making guesses. Using this information effectively can help players make educated guesses and increase their chances of solving the puzzle.
Each day, Wordle presents players with a set of clues to help them guess the target word. For example, in one puzzle, the hints included that the answer only contained one vowel, had no repeated letters, was a type of clothing, and was often associated with being outdoors, with one of the first three letters in the alphabet featuring. The puzzle for that day turned out to be “smock,” defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “a light loose garment worn especially for protection of clothing while working.” Players who correctly guessed the word could feel a sense of accomplishment, while others could use it as an opportunity to improve their skills for future puzzles.
Wordle has become a global sensation, with players of all ages and backgrounds engaging in the daily challenge of guessing the target word. The game’s simplicity and addictive nature have contributed to its widespread appeal, as well as the sense of community that has developed among players who share hints, tips, and results online. As players continue to test their word-guessing skills and compete with friends and strangers alike, the legacy of Wordle as a beloved and enduring game is sure to continue.
The success of Wordle is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its creator, Josh Wardle, who initially designed the game for personal enjoyment during a challenging time. His decision to share it with the world and eventually sell it to The New York Times has allowed Wordle to reach a global audience and become a beloved pastime for many. As players continue to hone their word-guessing skills and participate in the daily challenge of solving the puzzle, the legacy of Wordle as a simple yet engaging game that brings people together is likely to endure for years to come.
