“Password” Clue Giving Subtleties List

[gamed121683]

Recently, I’ve been on a Password binge (I think that new masthead of ours is subliminal advertising) and it inspired me to come up with a list of clue giving subtleties and hints that were used quite a bit on either the classic or Plus/Super versions of the show. For example:

*Using proper nouns for clues (Ex. If the password was “Tissue”, you could get away with saying “Kleenex”).

*If it's an opposite, a stretched out vocal inflection can come in handy (Ex. If the password was “Out”, you could say “Innnnnnnnnnn…”). In the Plus/Super versions, this also worked when trying to get a surname. (Ex. If the password was “Reagan”, you could say “Ronallllllllllld…”).

*They say "Don't say charades", yet they sometimes let that rule slide (especially in the classic edition).

How many others can you think of?

[JasonA1]

*If it's an opposite, a stretched out vocal inflection can come in handy (Ex. If the password was “Out”, you could say “Innnnnnnnnnn…”). In the Plus/Super versions, this also worked when trying to get a surname. (Ex. If the password was “Reagan”, you could say “Ronallllllllllld…”).

I always describe the inflection for opposites as having your voice go up at the end like you're asking a question. A drawn-out, flat inflection is good for a "fill in the blank" clue, as you describe for Reagan.

-Jason

[Kevin Prather]

These are strategies that I wish players would employ more often on "25 Words or Less". When you have a budget of words you can use, saying "Night?" instead of "Night opposite" is so valuable.

[Mr. Matté]

Not really subtle, but singing the clue could be a trick (if the other knows what you're singing)

[Bryce L.]

Not really subtle, but singing the clue could be a trick (if the other knows what you're singing)

Go figure, they made a rule banning opposites, but they never clamped down on THIS? Talk about priorities...

[jjman920]

These are strategies that I wish players would employ more often on "25 Words or Less". When you have a budget of words you can use, saying "Night?" instead of "Night opposite" is so valuable.

Yeah, it's frustrating to watch sometimes and it's sad because it's basically a product of there not being a regular version of Password on TV for over 30 years save for the short lasting Million Dollar Password. And before Buzzr hit the airwaves, Password left GSN some time in the early 2010s. So, unless players have been watching YouTube uploads, and now seeking out Buzzr reruns, they just have no idea of these nuances. That's why it makes me happy when a contestant or celeb comes along using such nuances whether it be because they come naturally to them or because they remember from watching Password.

[Marc412]

*If it's an opposite, a stretched out vocal inflection can come in handy (Ex. If the password was “Out”, you could say “Innnnnnnnnnn…”). In the Plus/Super versions, this also worked when trying to get a surname. (Ex. If the password was “Reagan”, you could say “Ronallllllllllld…”).

I always describe the inflection for opposites as having your voice go up at the end like you're asking a question. A drawn-out, flat inflection is good for a "fill in the blank" clue, as you describe for Reagan.

-Jason

Also good for “what comes next?”, like saying “six…” for seven, “Saturday…” for Sunday, “January…” for February, etc.

[BillCullen1]

Not really subtle, but singing the clue could be a trick (if the other knows what you're singing)

I know on Strahan's Pyramid, they tell everyone "no singing" if it's a music related category. Not sure if this version of Password would do the same.

[PPatters]

I know on Strahan's Pyramid, they tell everyone "no singing" if it's a music related category. Not sure if this version of Password would do the same.

This likely has more to do with music clearances than anything — which wouldn’t be a problem with the way Password does it.

[Jimmy Owen]

I know on Strahan's Pyramid, they tell everyone "no singing" if it's a music related category. Not sure if this version of Password would do the same.

This likely has more to do with music clearances than anything — which wouldn’t be a problem with the way Password does it.

Maybe Jimmy could bundle the clearances in a package deal with "That's My Jam"

[nowhammies10]

Watched a P+ earlier today and Betty gives a masterful clue for the word    CUBS   . She makes her voice smaller and curls her entire body down as she says "bears".

Indicating size with tone of voice and body language is a galaxy-brain strategy that would be well used on the new Password and 25WoL.

[Chuck Sutton]

Watched a P+ earlier today and Betty gives a masterful clue for the word    CUBS   . She makes her voice smaller and curls her entire body down as she says "bears".

Indicating size with tone of voice and body language is a galaxy-brain strategy that would be well used on the new Password and 25WoL.

Such actions would certainly at least get a warning from Meredith.    From some of the warnings given, and the instruction from Metedith that you can't use your hands, it seems there is a no charades or pantomime rule.

A head shake for you are close won't get a warning.  Unless I am in false memory territory I believe some head movement has gotten a "be careful"

[Steve Gavazzi]

I know on Strahan's Pyramid, they tell everyone "no singing" if it's a music related category. Not sure if this version of Password would do the same.

I don't remember seeing that.  I know it was banned on the GSN version, but is it a rule on the current run, too?

[mystery7]

I know on Strahan's Pyramid, they tell everyone "no singing" if it's a music related category. Not sure if this version of Password would do the same.

This likely has more to do with music clearances than anything — which wouldn’t be a problem with the way Password does it.

So what if someone just tunelessly says the lyrics without any semblance of melody? Or it's rap?

[blaq]

Not really subtle, but singing the clue could be a trick (if the other knows what you're singing)

Didn't Betty White successfully convey SAN FRANCISCO by stretching the clue CITY to absurd lengths while singing the tune of "San Francisco (open your golden gate)"?