Words ending in X are usually heavy hitters. As the third-to-last letter of the alphabet, X isn’t as frequently used as T, R, L, and other consonants that most likely populate your guesses in games like Wordle.
Just because X is a bit of a recluse, however, doesn’t mean that it’s not ready to hit the ground running whenever it’s summoned. We’d like to think, for example, that X-ray wouldn’t sound as serious if it were . . . H-ray (that literally looks like an abbreviation for “hooray”). And “xylophone” would lose its quirky charm if the first letter of this instrument were spelled like it sounds, which would involve replacing that X with a Z.
Whether X is taking up the task of beginning words, ending words, or both (shout out to “xerox”) — or tucked somewhere in the middle of a word like “texts,” — X can be a real hero; it will gladly strap your Last Letter First score on its back and hike it toward the mountain of points you’re venturing toward.
We’ve already published a blog highlighting Words That Start With X, and now it’s time to show some more love to “X” by sharing the top ten highest-scoring words ending in X. Just like it represents a kiss when paired with “O,” playing the letter “X” during Last Letter First can be, well, a really sweet move.
10. Kickbox = 26
Kickboxing is a full-contact combative sport that allows opponents to punch and kick each other until a winner is declared. Just like boxers, kickboxers are outfitted in gloves and protective gear so they can use their strength and skills to strike their opponent and earn points. Playing this word in Last Letter First will earn you 26 points—a feeling comparable to a one-two punch!
Example: Before he can kickbox, he needs to warm up in the ring.
9. Jambeaux = 26
Speaking of protective gear, kickboxers may very well have worn a jambeaux had kickboxing originated in medieval times. A jambeaux is a piece of armor specifically fashioned to protect the leg below the knee.
Example: The knight was grateful to be wearing his jambeaux as he entered into battle.
8. Jukebox = 27
The word “jukebox” was inspired by juke joints, establishments where people gathered to dance, listen to live music, and socialize. As more and more musicians began releasing their music on vinyl records in the late 1940s, various manufacturers perfected the design of this coin-operated machine. They became wildly popular in the 1950s; it was a thrill, after all, to toss coins into the machine and select the songs you wanted it to play next.
Example: If I owned a jukebox, I would feed it all my quarters!
7. Checkbox = 28
Check here. Check there. Oh, and check right here, too! The purpose of a checkbox is to give you an opportunity to create a mark that denotes your response. Checkboxes are popular on intake forms and other types of documents.
Example: When you get to the checkbox that asks if you’ve undergone a recent surgery, please check Yes or No.
6. Quadruplex = 29
Remember learning the word “quadrilateral” in math class? Quad means “four,” so quadraplex is a word used to refer to something that is presented in four parts. Many people associate it with a building that contains four apartments.
Example: My friend lives in the big quadraplex on the south side of town.
5. Coadjutrix = 31
A coadjutrix is a woman serving as a coadjutor. What is a coadjutor? According to Merriam-Webster, it is an individual who works together with another (in other words, it’s a synonym for “assistant”). In the Catholic religion, a coadjutor bishop is a bishop assigned to assist the diocesan bishop. Play “coadjutrix” as soon as your opponent sends you a word that begins with C, and you’ll earn 31 points.
Example: This event would not have been possible without the organization’s coadjutrix.
4. Circumflex = 31
Circumflex is both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it defines something that is curved or bent around something else. As a noun, it’s an accent mark that looks like a little hat (^). In the French language, the circumflex mark can be placed on any of the five vowels to serve a specific purpose (to distinguish homographs, for example).
Example: Part of today’s lesson in French involved learning when and how to use a circumflex.
3. Chickenpox = 33
Oh, chickenpox, the famed childhood virus that spreads quickly and wreaks havoc on the skin. Most parents these days decide to vaccinate their children from this illness that, according to Mayo Clinic, is often accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, headache, and fatigue, not to mention the telltale rash and fluid-filled blisters.
Example: The pediatrician said that bumps, blisters, and scabs are common among patients diagnosed with chickenpox.
2. Fuzzbox = 37
If you know a musician who plays the electric guitar, chances are they own a fuzzbox. This little device breaks up the sound passing through it, which creates an audible distortion. It’s a deliberate way for musicians to — per Premier Guitar — “add character to just about any conceivable style, taking you from subtle grainy textures to woolly thickness, sputtering fizz, or myriad flavors of utter mayhem, all with superb touch sensitivity.”
Example: Some of the most well-known guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, saw the appeal of using a fuzzbox.
1. Squeezebox = 39 Points
This is what Mama has, and it’s the reason Daddy never sleeps at night. Are you familiar with this famous song? It’s called “Squeezebox” by The Who, and it was released in 1975. A squeezebox is a fitting nickname for the accordion, a wind instrument that features two reed organs and a keyboard. The organs are connected by folding bellows that compress and expand to produce sounds alongside the keyboard.
Example: Weird Al Yankovic is often seen in photographs holding a squeezebox.
Relax. You’ve Got This.
As any victorious kickboxer would tell you, every point counts. Next time you begin a game of Last Letter First — or get invited to play — use one or more of these high-scoring words ending in X. You’re bound to perplex your opponent, and in the spirit of friendly competition, that’s always a rewarding feeling.
