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Fictionary (the Game)Fictionary is a parlor game suitable for about six to ten persons. (The word "fictionary," as you will see if you searchfor it on the web, is also used simply for lists of amusing fictional words or fictional definitions.) I learned this gamefrom friends in Cambridge, Mass. in the late 1960's. I would be interested in hearing from anyone with knowledge ofthe game's origins . -- Paul Axel-Lute

Equipment needed:One dictionary, preferably unabridged.A supply of blank 3-inch-by-5-inch cards, or other blank paper or cardstock cut to a uniform size and shape.Pencils or pens.

RulesThe number of rounds played should equal the number of players or a multiple thereof. For each round, thedictionary passes clockwise to a new person.In each round,

The person with the dictionary finds a word that she thinks the others are unlikely to know, andannounces the word. If any of the others knows the meaning of the word, that person must say so. (This is an honor-system game.) Our house rule, to make sure the game moves along, is that theperson with the dictionary has three tries to find a word no one else knows, and if these three tries areunsuccessful the dictionary passes to the next person. (Actually, this stage of the game can be rathertedious; a possible improvement would be to have guests come with several good words that they havelocated prior to the occasion. [added 10/22/01])Once a word has been found that no one knows, the person with the dictionary writes down on a 3x5card the dictionary definition or a paraphrase thereof. (If there are multiple definitions, only one shouldbe used.) Meanwhile the other players write on their cards either a believable definition for the word,or (if they do not care much about winning) an amusing definition. Note: everyone should hold theircards oriented the same way when writing, e.g. with the longer edge horizontal.All the other players pass their definitions to the person with the dictionary (who should try to examinethem as soon as received just in case a whispered consultation is necessary to clarify something in thewriting).When the person with the dictionary has received all the others' definitions, she shuffles them togetherwith the real definition, and then reads out all the definitions, twice through in the same order.The other players then vote, starting with the player next to the person who has the dictionary andproceeding clockwise, each voting for one definition.When all have voted, the true definition is revealed, and the round is scored. A player gets a point for:

having voted for the true definition.every vote cast for the definition written by that player

The person with the dictionary gets a point only if no one voted for the true definition.

ExamplesHere are a few sample words, each with a list of definitions, only one of which is true.

cacoepy

1. a tent with roof holes for astronomical observations2. telling fortunes with dregs of hot chocolate3. a dwelling constructed of dried dung4. bad pronunciation5. medical procedure for examination of the retina6. a dwarf coconut tree

melicrate

1. to smoothe the way2. a wooden container for ballast3. a beverage of honey and water4. to rule with kindness5. to besmirch a reputation6. a drip meter

taghairm

1. a method of divination in which a person was wrapped in a fresh bullock's skin and laid down alone bythe bottom of a waterfall

2. an elaborate stew prepared only on ceremonial occasions3. a condition of nervous exhaustion brought on by excessive indulgence in running games4. an ancient system of classifying animals by spiritual levels5. a five-roped braid of hair6. a tree in which two or more trunks have fused into one

For the true definitions, click here.

Fictionary (the Game)Equipment needed:RulesExamples