The Wordle game is a current smash hit. People around the world are playing the American version of this spelling game, as well as the British version. You can play it in many languages (check out the Hebrew and Yiddish versions). There is a "naughty" words version called Sweardle and a bizarre type called Absurdle. There are archives so you can play the games you missed. 

I think it's amusing that this computerized spelling guessing game was created by a software engineer named Josh Wardle. And it's been free since he put it online in October 2021. In case you're unfamiliar with it, this is the gist: you have to guess a five-letter word, and you have six tries. The game will you inform you if you type in a correct letter that is in the wrong order, as well as a correct letter in the proper space.

Thus, this game is not only about spelling but about strategy. It's a mashup of Mastermind, the classic pegs and holes board game of guessing a code, with Scrabble, mixed with the syndicated Jumble game you find in newspapers.

Wordle is fun and it's competitive. Many people I know have been playing the game and then posting their results on Facebook and Twitter. It's a nerdy competition, and many a teacher's dream come true.

The US version was just purchased by the New York Times, which made a splash. There are so many versions now, that it's become a bit dizzying.

Why is it so popular? Many reasons. It involves thinking and strategizing, it is competitive, it's free online. But it's not a game that involves a great time commitment (unless you sit there and ruminate for a long time). You can play it quickly and it's like eating a snack that's healthy.

It's a fad that is intellectual, and the graphics are straight forward. 

I'm finding that people hear about it, become curious, and then get hooked (play a game each day! like an exercise routine!). Then they rave about it to other people, and the domino effect comes into play (or would it be the multiplier effect as in economics?).

Word games have been popular for ages. Crossword puzzles, Scrabble, Hangman, Password (the TV show and board game), the previously mentioned Jumble (for adults and for kids), and many other games involving spelling and vocabulary have attracted millions of players. And of course, many of us endured Spelling Bees as students in school; the Scripps National Spelling Bee, an annual event, has become hugely popular.

There are Wordle memes (some are funny, others cringy). I'm seeing Wordle t-shirts. It's a global attraction, and I wonder how long it will be a hot commodity. There are thousands of five-letter words in English, for example. 

I'm enjoying Wordle, and it has become a topic of conversation. It brings people together socially, not just in a competitive manner. It's a good-natured and well-intentioned activity. Check it out!