Check-in game

📖 Bluff Dictionary

What is a “snollygoster”? What does “cattywampus” mean? In Bluff Dictionary, everyone invents a definition that sounds so real others fall for it. Then all the inventions and the real answer go up for a vote. Spot the real one and you score – bluff the best and you score too. In the “Amazing Facts” variant, you bluff your way through surprising trivia questions instead.

• 3–20 players
• approx. 4 minutes per word
• Free, no app

Play Bluff Dictionary for free

How Bluff Dictionary works

1. A rare word or a surprising trivia question appears on the stage.
2. Everyone invents a believable definition or answer on their phone.
3. The stage shows all inventions shuffled together with the real answer.
4. Everyone votes for the real one: a correct guess earns 2 points, every vote for your invention earns 1 point.

Why Bluff Dictionary works

• Sparks creativity and humour – the inventions are often better than the original.
• You learn something along the way: rare words and astonishing facts.
• Ideal for longer sessions, workshops and team events.

Great for

• Retrospective
• Workshop
• Team event
• Friday session

Examples

• What does “Snollygoster” mean?
• What does “Cattywampus” mean?
• What does “Bumbershoot” mean?
• How many hearts does an octopus have?
• What color is a lobster's blood?

Tips for hosts

• Plan about four minutes per word; for a short check-in, one word is enough.
• The host can remove inappropriate inventions before the vote.

FAQ

Is this like the game “Balderdash” or “Fictionary”?

Inventing definitions and hunting for the real one is a classic parlour-game idea. Bluff Dictionary is our own version with its own words and facts, made for online meetings.

How many people do you need?

At least three, so there are enough inventions. It's most fun with five to twelve people.

More check-in games

• 🧠 Mind Reader – One clue, one secret position – how well do you know each other?
• 🐑 Herd Mind – Don't think original. Think like the herd.
• 🔢 Number Duel – One number, lots of tactics – who can outthink the rest?
• 🎯 Majority Bet – Answer anonymously – and guess how your team ticks.