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Erik Kain, Contributor

Today’s ‘Wordle’ Word Of The Day Answer #243: Thursday, February 17th

Here's today's Wordle #243 solution. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Wordles, Wordles, Wordles. In another age, perhaps this would have been Hamlet’s response to Polonius when asked what it is he’s reading.

Of course, Hamlet was faking crazy when he answered, “Words, words, words.” That also happens to be an album/comedy routine/song by Bo Burnham.

Bo Burnham made some waves recently when he released the truly magnificent Inside on Netflix, which I simply cannot recommend enough.

Well, I certainly got very sidetracked just now! I guess when you write a daily Wordle guide, you have to change things up a bit. What can I say?

Okay, before we get to the solution for today’s Wordle, I’ll point you to a couple other links you might want to check out.

For Wordle noobs just getting started with the word puzzle game, check out my Wordle For Beginners primer, then hop over to my Tips & Tricks strategy guide.

Okay, now let’s take a look at today’s answer—though I’ll give you a hint before I give away the solution.

Today’s Wordle #243 Answer

Before we go further: SPOILER WARNING. The answer for today’s Wordle (make sure you’re on the NYTs website!) is forthcoming.

Also, a hint: Not stirred.

And the answer is . . .

Today's Wordle is 'SHAKE' Credit: Erik Kain

This one was pretty easy compared to some others we’ve encountered. I also had two lucky first guesses. Guess #1 got me the ‘A’ in the right spot, which isn’t a big deal. I just happened to guess SHARK next—a word that’s almost identical to today’s Wordle of the day, SHAKE.

I mean, once I had SHA in the right spot and a ‘K’ in the wrong spot, there was only one real option left. Boom! Shake it up baby! Twist and shout! (Two other possible Wordles, actually...)

Etymology Notes From My Father

Sorry, I spaced adding these earlier!

Shake comes from an Indo-European word root that means “to spring forth.” The same base gives us the word shag. It’s a humble origin for a word with such adaptability.

“Like some linguistic contortionist, shake takes on all sorts of meanings, depending on what you combine it with. Most gloriously, of course, is the combination chocolate shake. Anatomically, you slow down and express friendship when you shake hands; but you hurry away if you shake a leg. Positionally, you might bring new insights and growth if you shake up industry leaders, but you are a thief if you shake down the same group. Everyone wants a fair shake, though I’d rather have a chocolate shake.

“No great shakes either way. (Wait, we’ve disputed this before! What’s the greatest shake? You say, incorrectly, strawberry, when everyone knows it’s chocolate.) If you hurt yourself in a fall, you need to shake it off and keep going. If your food is bland, you shake on a bit of salt. Ahh! How can anyone keep all these shades of shake straight? Just give it the shake and move on to the next Wordle. (But never forget that the chocolate shake is the correct answer.)”

Happy Wordling young padawans! It’s almost the weekend!

Further Wordle-Related Reading:


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