Taboo Rules
A party clue-giving game where players describe a target word without saying a list of forbidden related words.
Also known as: Taboo party game, forbidden words game
Taboo-style play removes the easiest path to a clue. You must describe the target through category, function, contrast, or context while avoiding the words everyone most wants to say.
The CASTLE card example makes the constraint visible: KING, QUEEN, TOWER, and STONE are off limits, so the clue-giver needs a route around them. The diagram prompt specifies a generic card, not an official design.
Quick answer
Taboo is a forbidden-word clue game. Get teammates to guess the target word, but do not say the target or any listed forbidden words while the timer is running.
Puzzle facts
| format | Forbidden-word clue game |
|---|---|
| players | 4 or more |
| time | 15-30 minutes |
| difficulty | Easy to medium |
What you need
- Target-word cards.
- A timer.
- Teams and a score tracker.
Setup
- Split into teams.
- Choose a clue-giver for the round.
- Start the timer.
- The clue-giver draws cards and gives verbal clues without using forbidden words.
Objective
Get your teammates to guess the target word while avoiding the forbidden words on the card.
Rules
- The clue-giver cannot say the target word or any listed forbidden word.
- Parts, obvious variants, or translations may also be illegal under house rules.
- Teammates may guess freely.
- A correct guess scores and moves to the next card.
- Saying a forbidden word usually loses or skips the card.
Scoring and results
- Teams score points for correctly guessed target words.
- Skipped or penalized cards may subtract or simply fail to score.
- The highest team score after the agreed rounds wins.
Examples
Forbidden list
For target `CASTLE`, avoid saying `KING`, `QUEEN`, `TOWER`, or `STONE`; try clues like `old fortress with walls` if allowed.
Strategy tips
- Lead with category and function instead of banned synonyms.
- Use contrasts, locations, and actions to steer the guessers.
- Keep speaking; silence wastes timer seconds.
- If a card is going badly, skip under the agreed penalty.
- As a guesser, rapid-fire related words so the clue-giver can redirect.
Common mistakes
- Accidentally saying a forbidden word as part of a longer phrase.
- Using gestures or sounds if the table rules forbid them.
- Giving clues that are too broad for the target.
History and background
Forbidden-word games make communication funny by removing the easiest clues. The tension comes from finding a path around the obvious words while the timer is running.
This guide uses a generic card and original target word. It does not reproduce official cards, card backs, logos, packaging, or proprietary word lists.
Variations
- No-skip rounds.
- Children's cards with easier forbidden words.
- House rules allowing initials or rhymes.
Visual guide
Use this example to see how the puzzle works before you try the steps yourself.
FAQ
Can you say part of a forbidden word?
Most groups disallow obvious parts or forms, but house rules should be agreed before play.
Can teammates ask questions?
Usually teammates can guess freely, but the clue-giver must still avoid forbidden words.
What is the best clue style?
Use category, setting, function, and contrast rather than near-synonyms.
Where to play Taboo
App and web picks- Word Cash: A Collection of Word PuzzlesMade by us
Sources
Rule references and official game pages where available. App recommendations are separate from sources.
- Official or publisher reference, TODO
Add official game page, publisher page, rulebook, or app store listing before treating history or ownership details as verified.