Wordle #796: Hints, Tips, and Answer for Thursday, August 24

Wordle, a viral sensation developed during lockdown, was sold to The New York Times for a seven-figure sum.

Wordle, a popular game that took the world by storm during the coronavirus lockdown, was created by Josh Wardle, a software engineer originally from Wales, UK but now based in New York. Since its release to the public in October 2021, the game has become a viral sensation, leading to its acquisition by The New York Times in January 2022 for a significant sum. Despite being the creator of Wordle, Wardle himself admits that he struggles with the puzzles at times, highlighting the game's challenging nature.

In an interview with Newsweek, Wardle shared his personal experience with the game, revealing that he and his partner play it together every morning. While his partner consistently solves the puzzles in just three attempts, Wardle himself usually requires four or five tries. This candid admission from the game's creator showcases the game's ability to challenge even its own inventor.

According to Erhan Aslan, an associate professor of applied linguistics at the University of Reading, social media played a crucial role in Wordle's rapid rise to fame. In the past, word puzzle games like crosswords were typically found in newspapers and magazines, providing a source of entertainment during idle moments. However, in today's digital age, simple games like Wordle can be easily played online, allowing for widespread accessibility. Aslan believes that Wordle's popularity stems not only from its straightforward rules but also from its virality on social media platforms. People share and post their scores, showcasing their accomplishments and seeking validation from others.

Now, let's move on to today's puzzle. The answer will be revealed at the end of this article, so proceed with caution if you want to solve it yourself. This puzzle was particularly enjoyable, as we debated whether to mention that it shares most of its letters with the word "Wordle." However, we decided against it, as it would have been too obvious. If you managed to solve it, congratulations! But if you struggled, don't be discouraged. One of the great aspects of Wordle is the opportunity to improve over time. Stay tuned for more hints and tips from Newsweek, as we'll be back on Friday with another round of challenges.

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, "wordy" is defined as using an excessive amount of words. For example, if someone's presentation was expected to be concise but turned out to be excessively long, one might say, "I was hoping his presentation would be brief, but it got really wordy."

So, there you have it! The story behind Wordle, insights from its creator, and the impact of social media on its popularity. Keep challenging yourself with Wordle and enjoy the process of improving your skills.