The hardest word to guess

[militant]

The hardest word to guess in this game, according to my experience, is Cornhole. What do you think?

[GeraldineMerida]

That's really tough, especially as it's not played in many parts of the world.

I'm a native speaker and had to Google it.

Seems unnecessarily obscure compared to any other word I've seen.

[otiluke711]

Palm…so simple but so hard.

Hand as a clue is likely to clash and tree? There are so many different types.

Oil is another possibility as a clue but it might still clash. And again, what are the chances someone says palm if you clue them with oil?

Too many possibilities…

[aghagh]

The hardest word to guess in this game, according to my experience, is Cornhole. What do you think?

This word has had such an impact that it has its own bug report (to remove it) as well as featured in others:

https://boardgamearena.com/bug?id=68634 Special characters weren't allowed
https://boardgamearena.com/bug?id=68185 Allow skipping
https://boardgamearena.com/bug?id=69797 The word "cornhole" should be removed
https://boardgamearena.com/bug?id=68609 Classification of words to avoid those that are too local / specific / exotic

If it is finally removed, who know if we might actually end up missing it.

[militant]

I think that types of palm trees like Areca or Kentia are the best clues for mystery word Palm (hints for both Browser search players or hardcore nerds), also Coconut or Handbreadth work fine for average players.

I don't want Cornhole being removed cause of its shocking effect when people try to guess it the first time.

s-l400.jpg (17.72 KiB) Viewed 542 times

[GeraldineMerida]

Palm…so simple but so hard.

Hand as a clue is likely to clash and tree? There are so many different types.

Oil is another possibility as a clue but it might still clash. And again, what are the chances someone says palm if you clue them with oil?

Too many possibilities…

'Coconut' is a decent clue, 'oasis' not bad either.

[otiluke711]

I guess if you want to go in the direction of trees, you could clue the scientific name: Arecaceae

for palm.

Assuming the player guessing knows this or doesn’t mind looking up clues online to understand the meaning.

[GeraldineMerida]

I would consider looking up the meaning of clues to be cheating (though obviously it's not something you can control online).

How do others feel about this?

[militant]

According the rules you can't type the clue as the direct translation of the mystery word in another language, Latin included.

[militant]

I would consider looking up the meaning of clues to be cheating (though obviously it's not something you can control online).

How do others feel about this?

It's not cheating, it's a proof that a player is open minded for new knowledge. Of course, I don't use browser search, cause I'm a wise guy.