Etymon

About Etymon

Etymon began in late May 2026 and publishes one numbered puzzle every day, emailed to subscribers and posted on its Substack site. The same puzzle goes to everyone, and readers share in the comments how many clues they needed.

Each puzzle is a short run of clues about one word's history. Early clues give broad facts, such as when the word was first recorded in English and what language it came from; later ones mention related words, older meanings, famous uses (for example in Shakespeare) and finally the number of letters. The answer is given on an Answer Card at the end, which you read by turning your screen, so you can stop scrolling as soon as you have a guess.

Weekday puzzles are free; weekend editions and older puzzles in the archive are for paid subscribers. New free subscribers also get a set of ten bonus cards on Greek and Latin roots. You can share a Solved in N banner on Substack Notes.

It suits word lovers, crossword solvers and anyone curious about where English words come from; it reads more like a short daily lesson than a timed game.

How to play Etymon

1. Open today's Etymon email or post.
2. Read the first clue about the word's origin and try to name the word.
3. If you cannot, read the next clue; there are six, from broad to specific.
4. Check the Answer Card at the end and share how many clues you needed.

Screenshots

Tips

• Note the language of origin early; native Old English words and Latin borrowings look very different.
• Related words in later clues often share a root you can recognise.
• The final clue gives the letter count, so keep a short list of candidates ready.
• Read slowly: dates and changes of meaning are strong hints.

Questions