TIP: Click the   Video tab to see this activity in action

Hello, there seems to be a problem, you have either not got java enabled, or you do not have the latest Flash player installed. Please click here to install the latest player, once complete, close that window and refresh this page.

An anagram is a type of word play game, where you are given a word or phrase which when rearranged form a different word or phrase, such as The eyes = they see.

Popularity
Before the computer age, anagrams were constructed using a pen and paper, by playing with letter combinations and experimenting with variations. The game show Countdown is a good example of a popular programme which uses anagrams as part of the game.

Location
No particular location is required, anagrams generally appear in puzzle books or on TV shows. some people may be interested in setting anagrams whilst others might be interested in solving them.

Age
Any age can have a go at solving an anagram, they are an excellent way of expanding your vocabulary.

Ability
The ability to work with letters - some people can quite naturally see anagrams in words.

Description
The transposing of the letters of a word or group of words to produce other words that possess meaning, preferably bearing some logical relation to the original. The construction of anagrams is of great antiquity. Their invention is often ascribed without authority to the Jews, probably because the later Hebrew writers, particularly the Kabbalists, were fond of it.

Dedication
All that is needed for this is a keen mind and an affinity for words/word puzzles/word games. Solving anagrams can be just as rewarding as setting them. Persons who like crosswords will have undoubtedly come across anagrams to solve the cryptic clues. They frequently use anagrammatic clues, usually indicating that they are anagrams by the inclusion of a word like confused or in disarray.

Potential
Solving anagrams is largely an activity of self satisfaction, but there are an increasing number of competitions and quizzes that include anagram solving.

Closely Related Activities
crosswords, scrabble, quizzes.

Cost
If you are attempting to set an anagram there is absolutely no monetary cost what so ever, just a knowledge of words. If you are trying to solve anagrams there is the cost of the book which is normally no more than a couple of pounds.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.