Note:
NAWL will be going away and will be replaced by a different word list(s), Game Words. Two reasons for the re-development are to avoid copyright infringement risks and to avoid confusion with the NASPA official word list that is distributed using the initials NWL.
The base dictionary for NAWL was too much like the NASPA word list so I'm using another dictionary as the base dictionary. The previously researched words in NAWL will be a part of the new word list. When complete, the new word list will be published and publicized. As with NAWL, the new word list will be copyrighted, but may be shared freely. Words selected for the list are based on rules for word games like Scrabble.
Work is in progress on the new web site for Game Words.(not to be confused with the New Academic Word List or the Nencki Affective Word List)
Guidelines: preliminary guidelines for word word research and selection. see NAWL blog entry
Downloads: Includes a complete prospective list in text format, PDF alphabetical summaries (alphabetical and by subject) with definitions, and list of additions with definitions in text format (shortcut format).
Software: a discussion of the software use to research and compile NAWL.
Contact: Interested in helping develop NAWL, contact me using the contact form on the Switched Keys blog.
This working collection of web pages covers NAWL, a project to develop an updated North American word list for Scrabble and similar word games. This list will be released freely, but may be copyrighted to preserve the integrity/development of the list. Please see my blog for a more complete introduction to the project: NAWL
Notes: Other dictionary outputs (NAWL w/o offensive, NAWL w/o 16-21 letter words, IWL to include international english words (CSW, YAWL))
Notes: When finding a word that is not valid but should be ..
Find subjects by searching <WORD> glossary
Prefer reputable/official sites such as .edu, .gov, etc.
Note: words in all caps are abbrev (invalid) no matter how pronounced. ASCII
Note: terms based on a proper name are generally invalid
Criteria: After subject surveys each word must be re-searched in Google to see frequency of use, consistency of definition, and to get valid definition and variations. If part of random or rabbit trail search, include source in word.
Questionable words should be omitted. Words added can later be flagged as excluded.
Quick International Word List: Combine CSW, Yawl, and Nawl
Initial research saved in text file (post to web)
Reviewed words updated to include variations, plural
Validate and enter words in Hoot
Generate primary dictionary format text file
Generate additions files