Forbidden Words: the team game where you describe without saying it

Two teams, one minute per turn and one card: describe the word so your team guesses it without saying any of the four forbidden words. The phone draws the cards, keeps the time and the score. Below you'll find the rules and all 330 cards, so you can play on paper too.

2–12 players · 20–40 min · Party

Who's playing?

0/12

Add names in the order you're sitting.

Prefer to play on your own phones?Create a room and invite everyone with a QR code. Only the describer and the other team see the card: they watch for forbidden words.

Forbidden Words needs at least 2 players. 2 more to go.

Rules

How to play the forbidden words game

It sounds easy until you try to explain “beach” without saying sand, ocean, summer or towel. It's a team game of speed and yelling: the minute flies by and the other team is watching your every word.

  1. 1Split into two teams

    With 4 to 12 people, enter the names in the order you're sitting: the game alternates them between Team Cherry and Team Lemon, so teammates are mixed around the room and everyone has a rival next to them. If there are 2 or 3 of you, you all play on the same team against the clock.

  2. 2Pick how many points you're playing to

    Before the first minute, the first describer chooses whether the game goes to 10, 15 or 20 points. Ten is a quick game to open the night; twenty keeps you busy for a while. Once the first minute starts, the target is locked in.

  3. 3The describer takes the phone

    The game says whose turn it is. Their team can't see the screen; the other team can, so they can watch for forbidden words. When everyone's ready, tap Start the minute and the 60-second countdown begins.

  4. 4Describe without the forbidden words

    The word shows up with four forbidden words underneath. Get your team to guess it without saying the word itself or any of the four. Your team shouts answers out loud. The usual rule is talking only: no gestures, no pointing and no spelling.

  5. 5Got it! or skip

    When they guess it, tap Got it!: one point for your team and a new card comes up. If a word has you stuck, Skip throws it out with no penalty and the next one comes up, but the clock keeps running.

  6. 6If a forbidden word slips out

    Tap I said a forbidden word (or the other team calls it right away): your team loses a point, though the score never drops below zero, and a new card comes up. When you play in a room, the other team has its own Forbidden! button.

  7. 7Time's up: pay for the forbidden words

    When the minute ends, the screen sums up the guesses, forbidden words and skips. The describing team takes a sip (or water) for each forbidden word. If it was a clean round, nobody on that team drinks.

  8. 8The other team's turn

    Teams take turns and, within each team, a different person describes each time, in order. That way everyone gets to describe, guess and watch over the course of the game.

  9. 9Who wins?

    At the end of each lap (when both teams have played the same number of minutes), if a team has reached the target and is ahead, it wins the game and the other team takes a sip (or water). If it's a tie, you keep playing until someone pulls ahead. Then you can call a Rematch: the score goes back to zero and you can pick 10, 15 or 20 points again.

Forbidden words cards to play with

All 330 cards in the game: the word to describe and the four you can't say. Use them to play without a phone (someone on the other team reads the card and watches) or to warm up before you tap Start the game.

330cards · tap one to copy it

Words to describe without saying the forbidden ones

Parties and nights out, dating, food and drinks, holidays, jobs, sports, travel and stuff around the house: words everyone knows that get really hard to explain once the obvious clues are gone.

  1. Beach — don't say: sand, ocean, summer, towel
  2. Beer — don't say: drink, bar, foam, can
  3. Karaoke — don't say: sing, microphone, song, lyrics
  4. Nightclub — don't say: dance, music, DJ, bouncer
  5. Wedding — don't say: bride, groom, married, ring
  6. Bachelor party — don't say: groom, wedding, Las Vegas, guys
  7. Bridesmaid — don't say: wedding, bride, dress, friend
  8. Birthday — don't say: cake, candles, party, presents
  9. Concert — don't say: music, band, stage, tickets
  10. Music festival — don't say: Coachella, bands, stage, summer
  11. DJ — don't say: music, party, turntables, mix
  12. Toast — don't say: glass, cheers, speech, raise
Show 318 more
  1. Dance — don't say: music, move, party, steps
  2. Prom — don't say: dance, high school, date, tuxedo
  3. Tailgate — don't say: parking lot, football, grill, truck
  4. Road trip — don't say: car, drive, highway, snacks
  5. Sleepover — don't say: pajamas, friends, night, sleeping bag
  6. Picnic — don't say: blanket, basket, park, sandwiches
  7. Barbecue — don't say: grill, meat, summer, smoke
  8. Camping — don't say: tent, campfire, woods, sleeping bag
  9. Vacation — don't say: trip, travel, relax, time off
  10. Baby shower — don't say: baby, gifts, pregnant, party
  11. Graduation — don't say: cap, gown, diploma, school
  12. Garage sale — don't say: yard, sell, cheap, stuff
  13. Casino — don't say: gamble, Las Vegas, poker, chips
  14. Poker — don't say: cards, bluff, chips, game
  15. Lottery — don't say: ticket, win, money, numbers
  16. First date — don't say: dinner, nervous, romantic, meet
  17. Kiss — don't say: lips, love, smooch, couple
  18. Hug — don't say: arms, squeeze, embrace, love
  19. Wink — don't say: eye, close, flirt, blink
  20. Crush — don't say: like, love, secret, heart
  21. Ex — don't say: relationship, former, breakup, boyfriend
  22. Dating app — don't say: Tinder, swipe, match, profile
  23. Ghosting — don't say: text, ignore, disappear, date
  24. Honeymoon — don't say: wedding, trip, married, couple
  25. Group chat — don't say: text, friends, messages, phone
  26. Laugh — don't say: funny, joke, smile, giggle
  27. Cry — don't say: tears, sad, eyes, baby
  28. Cell phone — don't say: call, text, screen, iPhone
  29. Selfie — don't say: photo, phone, face, camera
  30. Instagram — don't say: photos, followers, stories, likes
  31. TikTok — don't say: videos, dance, app, viral
  32. Facebook — don't say: social media, friends, Zuckerberg, post
  33. Netflix — don't say: streaming, shows, movies, binge
  34. Google — don't say: search, internet, engine, website
  35. Amazon — don't say: order, package, Prime, delivery
  36. Venmo — don't say: pay, money, app, send
  37. Emoji — don't say: smiley, text, face, phone
  38. Password — don't say: login, secret, account, letters
  39. Wi-Fi — don't say: internet, password, connection, router
  40. Influencer — don't say: Instagram, followers, social media, sponsor
  41. Podcast — don't say: listen, episode, talk, Spotify
  42. Laptop — don't say: computer, keyboard, screen, Apple
  43. Charger — don't say: phone, battery, plug, cable
  44. Headphones — don't say: music, ears, listen, AirPods
  45. Video game — don't say: play, controller, console, PlayStation
  46. Robot — don't say: machine, metal, AI, beep
  47. Thanksgiving — don't say: turkey, November, family, pilgrims
  48. Christmas — don't say: December, presents, tree, Santa
  49. Halloween — don't say: costume, candy, pumpkin, October
  50. Super Bowl — don't say: football, February, commercials, halftime
  51. Fourth of July — don't say: fireworks, independence, America, July
  52. Valentine's Day — don't say: love, February, hearts, roses
  53. St. Patrick's Day — don't say: Irish, green, March, leprechaun
  54. New Year's Eve — don't say: midnight, countdown, ball drop, December
  55. Easter — don't say: bunny, eggs, spring, Sunday
  56. Black Friday — don't say: shopping, sales, Thanksgiving, deals
  57. Fireworks — don't say: Fourth of July, explode, sky, colors
  58. Turkey — don't say: Thanksgiving, bird, gobble, stuffing
  59. Pumpkin — don't say: orange, Halloween, pie, carve
  60. Christmas tree — don't say: ornaments, lights, pine, presents
  61. Santa Claus — don't say: Christmas, presents, reindeer, North Pole
  62. Easter Bunny — don't say: eggs, Easter, rabbit, basket
  63. Tooth Fairy — don't say: teeth, pillow, money, kid
  64. Snowman — don't say: snow, carrot, winter, Frosty
  65. Pizza — don't say: cheese, slice, Italian, delivery
  66. Taco — don't say: Mexican, tortilla, shell, Tuesday
  67. Hot dog — don't say: bun, sausage, ketchup, ballpark
  68. Hamburger — don't say: beef, bun, patty, McDonald's
  69. French fries — don't say: potato, ketchup, salty, McDonald's
  70. Popcorn — don't say: movie, butter, corn, microwave
  71. Pancakes — don't say: breakfast, syrup, flip, stack
  72. Ice cream — don't say: cold, cone, scoop, dessert
  73. Chocolate — don't say: sweet, candy, cocoa, bar
  74. Donut — don't say: hole, glazed, sprinkles, Dunkin'
  75. Bacon — don't say: pig, breakfast, crispy, pork
  76. Peanut butter — don't say: jelly, sandwich, nuts, spread
  77. Sushi — don't say: raw, fish, rice, Japanese
  78. Spaghetti — don't say: pasta, noodles, Italian, meatballs
  79. Salad — don't say: lettuce, healthy, dressing, vegetables
  80. Cereal — don't say: bowl, milk, breakfast, box
  81. S'mores — don't say: marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker, campfire
  82. Chicken wings — don't say: Buffalo, sauce, Super Bowl, spicy
  83. Mac and cheese — don't say: pasta, Kraft, orange, noodles
  84. Grilled cheese — don't say: sandwich, bread, melted, butter
  85. Apple pie — don't say: dessert, American, crust, bake
  86. Cupcake — don't say: frosting, small, cake, sprinkles
  87. Cookie — don't say: chocolate chip, bake, Oreo, Santa
  88. Pretzel — don't say: twisted, salt, soft, knot
  89. Nachos — don't say: chips, cheese, Mexican, salsa
  90. Burrito — don't say: Chipotle, tortilla, wrap, Mexican
  91. Corn dog — don't say: fair, stick, hot dog, fried
  92. Avocado — don't say: guacamole, green, toast, pit
  93. Banana — don't say: yellow, fruit, peel, monkey
  94. Apple — don't say: fruit, red, tree, iPhone
  95. Strawberry — don't say: red, fruit, seeds, shortcake
  96. Watermelon — don't say: seeds, green, red, summer
  97. Lemon — don't say: sour, yellow, lemonade, citrus
  98. Onion — don't say: cry, layers, vegetable, rings
  99. Garlic — don't say: vampire, breath, clove, Italian
  100. Ketchup — don't say: tomato, red, fries, Heinz
  101. Hot sauce — don't say: spicy, Tabasco, red, wings
  102. Bubble gum — don't say: chew, blow, pink, sticky
  103. Coffee — don't say: caffeine, morning, Starbucks, cup
  104. Margarita — don't say: tequila, lime, salt, Mexican
  105. Wine — don't say: grapes, glass, red, bottle
  106. Champagne — don't say: bubbles, toast, celebrate, New Year's
  107. Lemonade — don't say: lemon, sugar, stand, summer
  108. Water — don't say: drink, bottle, thirsty, clear
  109. Milk — don't say: cow, white, cereal, dairy
  110. Pumpkin spice latte — don't say: fall, Starbucks, coffee, autumn
  111. Smoothie — don't say: fruit, blender, drink, banana
  112. Energy drink — don't say: Red Bull, caffeine, can, energy
  113. Soda — don't say: pop, Coke, fizzy, can
  114. Tea — don't say: hot, British, bag, cup
  115. Hot chocolate — don't say: cocoa, marshmallows, warm, winter
  116. Dog — don't say: bark, pet, puppy, walk
  117. Cat — don't say: meow, pet, kitten, litter
  118. Elephant — don't say: trunk, big, gray, Africa
  119. Giraffe — don't say: neck, tall, spots, Africa
  120. Penguin — don't say: ice, bird, tuxedo, Antarctica
  121. Shark — don't say: ocean, teeth, fish, Jaws
  122. Monkey — don't say: banana, tree, zoo, ape
  123. Snake — don't say: slither, venom, reptile, hiss
  124. Spider — don't say: web, legs, bug, eight
  125. Bee — don't say: honey, sting, buzz, flower
  126. Mosquito — don't say: bite, itch, bug, summer
  127. Lion — don't say: king, roar, mane, jungle
  128. Horse — don't say: ride, saddle, farm, gallop
  129. Cow — don't say: milk, moo, farm, beef
  130. Chicken — don't say: egg, bird, farm, cluck
  131. Owl — don't say: night, bird, hoot, wise
  132. Squirrel — don't say: nuts, tree, tail, acorn
  133. Raccoon — don't say: trash, mask, night, bandit
  134. Unicorn — don't say: horn, horse, magic, rainbow
  135. Dinosaur — don't say: extinct, T. rex, Jurassic, fossil
  136. Doctor — don't say: hospital, sick, medicine, nurse
  137. Teacher — don't say: school, class, students, homework
  138. Firefighter — don't say: fire, truck, hose, rescue
  139. Police officer — don't say: cop, badge, arrest, crime
  140. Pilot — don't say: plane, fly, airport, cockpit
  141. Chef — don't say: cook, kitchen, restaurant, food
  142. Dentist — don't say: teeth, cavity, brush, floss
  143. Lifeguard — don't say: pool, beach, swim, rescue
  144. Astronaut — don't say: space, moon, rocket, NASA
  145. Plumber — don't say: pipes, toilet, leak, water
  146. Magician — don't say: magic, trick, rabbit, hat
  147. Barista — don't say: coffee, Starbucks, latte, cup
  148. Mail carrier — don't say: letters, mailbox, package, deliver
  149. Cowboy — don't say: horse, hat, Texas, boots
  150. Ninja — don't say: Japan, black, sword, stealth
  151. Clown — don't say: circus, red nose, funny, makeup
  152. Pirate — don't say: ship, treasure, parrot, eye patch
  153. Mermaid — don't say: tail, fish, ocean, Ariel
  154. Superhero — don't say: powers, cape, Marvel, save
  155. Zombie — don't say: dead, brains, walking, undead
  156. Vampire — don't say: blood, fangs, Dracula, bite
  157. Ghost — don't say: spooky, haunted, boo, dead
  158. Alien — don't say: space, UFO, green, Mars
  159. Basketball — don't say: hoop, NBA, dribble, court
  160. Football — don't say: NFL, touchdown, quarterback, helmet
  161. Baseball — don't say: bat, pitcher, home run, glove
  162. Soccer — don't say: goal, ball, kick, World Cup
  163. Golf — don't say: club, hole, course, Tiger Woods
  164. Tennis — don't say: racket, court, net, serve
  165. Swimming — don't say: pool, water, laps, Olympics
  166. Bowling — don't say: pins, ball, strike, alley
  167. Surfing — don't say: wave, board, ocean, beach
  168. Skiing — don't say: snow, mountain, slope, winter
  169. Boxing — don't say: punch, gloves, ring, fight
  170. Yoga — don't say: stretch, mat, pose, meditate
  171. Olympics — don't say: medal, gold, athletes, games
  172. Marathon — don't say: run, miles, race, finish line
  173. Pickleball — don't say: paddle, court, tennis, ball
  174. Cheerleader — don't say: pom-poms, team, chant, football
  175. Ice skating — don't say: rink, skates, ice, winter
  176. Car — don't say: drive, wheels, road, engine
  177. Bicycle — don't say: pedal, ride, wheels, helmet
  178. Airplane — don't say: fly, pilot, wings, airport
  179. Train — don't say: tracks, station, railroad, Amtrak
  180. Subway — don't say: train, underground, station, New York
  181. Taxi — don't say: yellow, cab, driver, ride
  182. Uber — don't say: ride, app, driver, Lyft
  183. Helicopter — don't say: fly, blades, pilot, chopper
  184. Motorcycle — don't say: bike, helmet, Harley, ride
  185. School bus — don't say: yellow, kids, school, driver
  186. Cruise ship — don't say: boat, ocean, vacation, buffet
  187. Hot air balloon — don't say: fly, basket, sky, float
  188. Rocket — don't say: space, launch, NASA, moon
  189. Traffic jam — don't say: cars, stuck, highway, rush hour
  190. Gas station — don't say: fuel, pump, car, fill up
  191. Drive-thru — don't say: fast food, window, car, order
  192. Airport — don't say: plane, flight, suitcase, gate
  193. Gym — don't say: weights, workout, muscle, treadmill
  194. Hospital — don't say: doctor, sick, nurse, emergency
  195. Library — don't say: books, read, quiet, borrow
  196. Museum — don't say: art, history, exhibit, paintings
  197. Movie theater — don't say: film, popcorn, screen, tickets
  198. Mall — don't say: shopping, stores, food court, buy
  199. Zoo — don't say: animals, cages, lion, visit
  200. Amusement park — don't say: rides, roller coaster, Disney, tickets
  201. Roller coaster — don't say: ride, loop, fast, scream
  202. Ferris wheel — don't say: ride, fair, round, tall
  203. County fair — don't say: rides, funnel cake, animals, summer
  204. Circus — don't say: tent, clown, acrobat, elephant
  205. Hotel — don't say: room, sleep, vacation, lobby
  206. Swimming pool — don't say: swim, water, dive, lifeguard
  207. Hot tub — don't say: bubbles, warm, Jacuzzi, water
  208. Walmart — don't say: store, cheap, shopping, groceries
  209. Costco — don't say: bulk, membership, samples, warehouse
  210. Target — don't say: store, red, bullseye, shopping
  211. Starbucks — don't say: coffee, latte, barista, green
  212. McDonald's — don't say: fast food, Big Mac, fries, golden arches
  213. Las Vegas — don't say: casino, gamble, Nevada, Strip
  214. New York — don't say: city, Big Apple, Manhattan, Times Square
  215. Hollywood — don't say: movies, stars, Los Angeles, sign
  216. Hawaii — don't say: island, beach, aloha, Honolulu
  217. Texas — don't say: state, cowboy, big, Houston
  218. Grand Canyon — don't say: Arizona, big, hole, national park
  219. Statue of Liberty — don't say: New York, torch, green, France
  220. White House — don't say: president, Washington, Oval Office, lawn
  221. Mount Rushmore — don't say: presidents, faces, rock, South Dakota
  222. Disneyland — don't say: Mickey, park, California, rides
  223. Canada — don't say: maple, north, country, hockey
  224. Mexico — don't say: country, tacos, south, Spanish
  225. Paris — don't say: France, Eiffel Tower, city, French
  226. Italy — don't say: pizza, pasta, Rome, country
  227. Japan — don't say: Tokyo, sushi, country, Asia
  228. Egypt — don't say: pyramids, pharaoh, Nile, desert
  229. Umbrella — don't say: rain, wet, open, storm
  230. Alarm clock — don't say: wake up, morning, snooze, ring
  231. Suitcase — don't say: travel, pack, clothes, luggage
  232. Mirror — don't say: reflection, look, glass, bathroom
  233. Pillow — don't say: sleep, bed, head, soft
  234. Candle — don't say: wax, flame, light, birthday
  235. Toaster — don't say: bread, toast, kitchen, breakfast
  236. Remote control — don't say: TV, channel, buttons, couch
  237. Scissors — don't say: cut, paper, sharp, blades
  238. Toothbrush — don't say: teeth, brush, toothpaste, bathroom
  239. Flashlight — don't say: light, dark, batteries, beam
  240. Microwave — don't say: heat, kitchen, popcorn, beep
  241. Refrigerator — don't say: cold, food, kitchen, freezer
  242. Couch — don't say: sit, sofa, living room, cushion
  243. Bed — don't say: sleep, pillow, sheets, bedroom
  244. Wallet — don't say: money, cards, pocket, cash
  245. Keys — don't say: lock, door, car, keychain
  246. Backpack — don't say: school, bag, books, carry
  247. Laundry — don't say: clothes, wash, dryer, dirty
  248. Vacuum — don't say: clean, floor, dust, carpet
  249. Dishwasher — don't say: dishes, clean, kitchen, plates
  250. Trash can — don't say: garbage, throw, bin, waste
  251. Toilet paper — don't say: bathroom, roll, wipe, toilet
  252. Shower — don't say: water, wash, bathroom, soap
  253. Bubble bath — don't say: tub, bubbles, relax, soap
  254. Hammock — don't say: relax, swing, nap, trees
  255. Nap — don't say: sleep, afternoon, tired, short
  256. Piggy bank — don't say: money, save, coins, pig
  257. Credit card — don't say: pay, money, plastic, Visa
  258. ATM — don't say: cash, money, bank, withdraw
  259. Tip — don't say: waiter, money, restaurant, percent
  260. Sunglasses — don't say: sun, eyes, shades, summer
  261. Hoodie — don't say: sweatshirt, hood, warm, zipper
  262. Pajamas — don't say: sleep, bed, night, PJs
  263. Jeans — don't say: pants, denim, blue, Levi's
  264. Flip-flops — don't say: sandals, beach, feet, summer
  265. Tie — don't say: neck, suit, knot, business
  266. Socks — don't say: feet, pair, shoes, warm
  267. High heels — don't say: shoes, tall, stilettos, walk
  268. Baseball cap — don't say: hat, head, visor, team
  269. Swimsuit — don't say: pool, beach, swim, bikini
  270. Tuxedo — don't say: suit, formal, bow tie, black
  271. Tattoo — don't say: ink, needle, skin, arm
  272. Haircut — don't say: barber, salon, scissors, short
  273. Beard — don't say: face, hair, shave, mustache
  274. Sunscreen — don't say: sun, SPF, burn, lotion
  275. Sunburn — don't say: red, skin, sunscreen, beach
  276. Guitar — don't say: strings, play, music, rock
  277. Piano — don't say: keys, black, white, play
  278. Drums — don't say: beat, sticks, band, loud
  279. Microphone — don't say: sing, speak, voice, loud
  280. Taylor Swift — don't say: singer, Swifties, Eras Tour, pop
  281. Beyoncé — don't say: singer, Jay-Z, Queen B, Destiny's Child
  282. Elvis Presley — don't say: King, rock and roll, Graceland, singer
  283. Michael Jordan — don't say: basketball, Bulls, Chicago, Air Jordans
  284. Oprah — don't say: talk show, TV, host, Winfrey
  285. Harry Potter — don't say: wizard, Hogwarts, magic, glasses
  286. Spider-Man — don't say: web, superhero, Peter Parker, Marvel
  287. Batman — don't say: Gotham, superhero, Robin, bat
  288. Superman — don't say: cape, fly, Clark Kent, superhero
  289. Mickey Mouse — don't say: Disney, ears, Minnie, cartoon
  290. SpongeBob — don't say: sponge, pineapple, Patrick, ocean
  291. The Simpsons — don't say: Homer, yellow, cartoon, Bart
  292. Shrek — don't say: ogre, green, Donkey, swamp
  293. Barbie — don't say: doll, Ken, pink, Mattel
  294. Star Wars — don't say: Jedi, Darth Vader, lightsaber, galaxy
  295. Titanic — don't say: ship, iceberg, sink, DiCaprio
  296. Frozen — don't say: Elsa, Disney, Let It Go, snow
  297. Friends — don't say: TV show, Ross, Rachel, Central Perk
  298. The Office — don't say: Michael Scott, Dunder Mifflin, show, Dwight
  299. Minecraft — don't say: blocks, build, video game, creeper
  300. Tetris — don't say: blocks, game, lines, fall
  301. Monopoly — don't say: board game, money, properties, Park Place
  302. Chess — don't say: king, queen, board, checkmate
  303. Puzzle — don't say: pieces, jigsaw, picture, fit
  304. Rainbow — don't say: colors, rain, sky, pot of gold
  305. Sun — don't say: hot, sky, bright, day
  306. Moon — don't say: night, sky, astronaut, full
  307. Snow — don't say: white, cold, winter, flakes
  308. Thunderstorm — don't say: lightning, rain, loud, weather
  309. Tornado — don't say: wind, twister, storm, Kansas
  310. Volcano — don't say: lava, erupt, mountain, hot
  311. Sandcastle — don't say: beach, sand, bucket, build
  312. Job interview — don't say: hire, résumé, boss, questions
  313. Homework — don't say: school, teacher, assignment, study
  314. Final exam — don't say: test, study, grade, college
  315. Diet — don't say: lose weight, eat, healthy, calories
  316. Sneeze — don't say: nose, bless you, achoo, cold
  317. Hiccups — don't say: breath, scare, water, stop
  318. Snoring — don't say: sleep, loud, nose, noise
Everyone on their own phone

The card is only for the describer and the other team

In a room, the describer sees the card on their phone, their team only sees “Guess!” and the other team watches for forbidden words with its own button. No passing the phone around, and it works on a video call too.

Create a room →

What is the forbidden words game?

It's the classic describe-the-word team game with a catch: the words that would help you most are off-limits. One person describes, their team guesses against the clock, and the other team listens closely to catch any slip.

Every card has a word and four forbidden ones. If you have to describe “Thanksgiving,” you can't say turkey, November, family or pilgrims, so you have to get creative: the big dinner in late fall, the day everyone argues about politics over pie, the Thursday before Black Friday…

The team that guesses the most words and says the fewest forbidden ones wins. In this drinking-game version, every forbidden word costs a sip (or water), and the losing team takes one more at the end.

Tips to describe better and catch forbidden words

When you're describing, come at it sideways: if you can't say “sand” or “ocean,” talk about vacation, sunscreen or boardwalks. Fill-in-the-blank phrases work great (“better late than…”), and so do opposites (“the opposite of…”) and situations everyone has been through.

Don't get stuck on an impossible card: skipping has no penalty, and a minute is enough for a lot more than one word. Talk fast in short sentences, and as soon as your team gets close, steer them (“almost,” “shorter,” “plural”) instead of starting over.

If you're on watch duty, read all four forbidden words before they start talking and look out for the usual tricks: saying half the word, using one from the same family or switching to another language. Call the forbidden word right away, not at the end of the minute, so the point comes off that card.

How the team game works: turns, points and who wins

It's a word guessing game for teams: the phone splits players into two teams by alternating the seating order, and the turns alternate too. Within each team, a different person describes every time, so nobody gets out of it. With an odd number of players, one team has an extra person and the smaller team describes more often.

Before you start, you choose whether the game goes to 10, 15 or 20 points. Each correct guess adds one and each forbidden word takes one away, never below zero, so a round full of slips can leave a team right where it started.

The winner is only decided when both teams have played the same number of minutes: if the first team reaches the target, the second team still gets its turn to catch up or pass them. If they end up tied, you keep playing until one pulls ahead.

Variations: no alcohol, video call, charades and paper

With no alcohol the game works exactly the same: just keep score, or swap every sip for water or a team dare. Long-distance? Create a room: everyone plays on their own phone, the card only shows up for the describer and the other team, and the rest see that it's their turn to guess. With a video call open, it plays just like being in the same room.

Charades style: use the same cards, but the describer can't talk, only act. The forbidden words stop mattering, but the minute feels way shorter. It's a house rule: the phone still keeps the time and the score, and you make sure nobody says a word. If you love that, try Charades too.

On paper, use the list of 330 cards on this page: someone from the other team silently shows the card to the describer, times the minute on any clock and keeps score. If you like word games with a twist, also try the Imposter Game and Word Bomb.

When and who to play with

It's one of the best games for groups of 2 to 12: every turn involves everyone, some guessing and some watching, so nobody ends up staring at their phone. It works just as well at a chill dinner party as at a loud pregame, and it's great for breaking the ice with people who don't know each other: competing as a team brings people together fast.

The cards are about everyday stuff (food, parties, travel, things around the house, nights out), so nobody needs to be an expert in anything. Some touch on dating and partying, but none are explicit. If you want something with more personal callouts next, Who's Most Likely To is the natural next step.

Before the first round

Forbidden Words FAQ

01How do you play the forbidden words game?

You play in two teams. Taking turns, one person has one minute to get their team to guess as many words as possible without saying the word or any of the four forbidden words on each card. Each correct guess is a point; each forbidden word takes a point away and costs a sip (or water).

02How many people do you need?

2 to 12. With four or more, you play in two teams, which the game builds by alternating the order you're sitting in. If there are 2 or 3 of you, you play together: take turns describing and try to reach the target score in as few turns as possible.

03What happens if I say a forbidden word?

Your team loses a point (the score never goes below zero) and a new card comes up. When the minute ends, the team takes a sip (or water) for each forbidden word.

04Can you skip a card?

Yes, with no penalty: a new one comes up right away. Just remember the clock keeps running.

05How many points do you play to?

You choose before the first minute: 10, 15 or 20 points. The first team to reach it wins, as long as it's ahead once both teams have played the same number of minutes.

06What if both teams are tied?

You keep playing, lap by lap, until one team pulls ahead. The losing team takes a sip (or water), and you can call a rematch.

07Can you use gestures when describing?

In the classic version, no: you only describe with words, no gestures or spelling. If you want, play a charades round with the same cards; that's your own house rule, and the phone just keeps the time and the score.

08Can everyone play on their own phone or over a video call?

Yes. In a room, only the describer and the other team see the card, and the other team has a button to call “Forbidden!” The describer's teammates only see that it's their turn to guess, so it works long-distance too.

09Can you play without a phone?

Yes. All 330 cards are on this page: someone from the other team shows the card to the describer, times the minute and keeps score.

10Is this an official board game?

No. It uses the classic idea of describing a word without saying the forbidden ones, but it isn't connected to any board game brand. The cards and the game are our own.

11Do you have to drink alcohol to play?

No. Every sip can be swapped for water or a dare, or you can just play for points. This site is for adults only (18+ and of legal drinking age where you live).

12Is it free?

Yes. It runs in your phone's browser, with no download and no sign-up.