Fact Check: Is CQ a Scrabble word?

Is CQ a Scrabble Word?

The claim in question is whether "CQ" is a valid word in Scrabble. This inquiry arises from the game's evolving lexicon and the various dictionaries that players may reference. The validity of words in Scrabble can differ based on the official dictionary being used, which can lead to confusion among players.

What We Know

Scrabble Dictionaries: Different dictionaries are used for Scrabble in various regions. The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD) is commonly used in North America, while the SOWPODS dictionary is utilized in international play. Each dictionary has its own set of accepted words.
CQ's Status: According to multiple sources, "CQ" is not recognized as a valid word in any of the major Scrabble dictionaries. For instance, the NASPA Word List 2020, which is used in the United States and Canada, does not include "CQ" as a playable word 3 6. Similarly, the SOWPODS dictionary also lists "CQ" as invalid 3.
Definitions and Usage: While "CQ" is noted as an abbreviation for "chloroquine" or as an initialism for "close quarters" in some contexts 9, these definitions do not confer Scrabble validity. Scrabble typically does not accept abbreviations or initialisms as playable words.
Point Value: Some sources mention that if "CQ" were a valid word, it would hypothetically score 13 points based on the Scrabble scoring system 3. However, this is purely speculative since the word is not accepted.

Analysis

The evidence presented across various sources consistently indicates that "CQ" is not a valid Scrabble word. The reliability of these sources can be assessed as follows:

Scrabble Check and Word Finder: These tools are designed specifically for checking Scrabble words against official dictionaries. They provide straightforward results based on the latest word lists, making them reliable for this inquiry 1 2 4.
Wordhelp and Other Dictionaries: Sites like Wordhelp and Collins Dictionary also confirm the invalidity of "CQ" in Scrabble, which aligns with the findings from the official dictionaries 3 7 8.
Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a vested interest in promoting their own word-checking tools. However, the consensus across multiple independent platforms lends credibility to the claim that "CQ" is not a valid Scrabble word.
Methodological Considerations: The methodology behind these word-checking tools typically involves cross-referencing with established Scrabble dictionaries. However, it would be beneficial to have a comprehensive list of all accepted words from both the OSPD and SOWPODS for a complete understanding of the lexicon.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "CQ" is a valid word in Scrabble is false. The evidence from multiple authoritative sources, including the NASPA Word List and the SOWPODS dictionary, confirms that "CQ" is not recognized as a playable word in Scrabble. Furthermore, while "CQ" may have definitions as an abbreviation or initialism in other contexts, these do not meet the criteria for Scrabble play, which excludes such forms.

It is important to note that the validity of words in Scrabble can vary based on the dictionary used, and players should always refer to the specific dictionary relevant to their game. Additionally, while the sources consulted are generally reliable, the absence of a comprehensive list of all accepted words limits the ability to fully assess the lexicon. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consult official resources when determining the validity of words in Scrabble.

Sources

Scrabble Check. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scrabblecheck.com/
Scrabble Dictionary - Check words in official dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scrabblewordfinder.org/dictionary-checker
Is CQ playable in Scrabble? | wordhelp.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wordhelp.com/scrabble/word/cq/
Scrabble Word Checker - Word Checker. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wordchecker.io/scrabble-word-checker/
Words With CQ | Scrabble® Word Finder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scrabble.merriam.com/words/with/cq
CQ - Scrabble Word Finder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wordunscrambler.net/scrabble-word-meaning/cq
Scrabble Word Checker - Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scrabblechecker.collinsdictionary.com/check/
Check - Scrabble & Word Finder - Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scrabble.collinsdictionary.com/check/
CQ is not a valid scrabble word. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://1word.ws/cq
Scrabble Word Checker & Dictionary | Check Playable Words - Word Finder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wordfinder.yourdictionary.com/scrabble-dictionary/