The word “em” is indeed recognized as a valid word in Scrabble, but its acceptance depends on which official Scrabble dictionary is being used. In North America, where the tournament word list is the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD) and the TWL (Tournament Word List), “em” is considered a valid word. Internationally, under Collins Scrabble Words (CSW), which is used in many countries outside North America, “em” is also accepted. Therefore, “em” is a legitimate Scrabble word in both major official word lists.
“Em” is a pronoun that functions as a poetic or archaic form of “them.” It is primarily used as a singular object pronoun, especially in dialects or poetic contexts, meaning “him” or “them” (e.g., “Give it to em”). Despite being somewhat archaic or informal today, its usage is well-established enough to be included in official Scrabble word lists. Its inclusion reflects Scrabble’s recognition of words that are valid in standard English usage, including archaic, dialectal, or informal terms.
In terms of point value, “em” is a short word, making it valuable for scoring especially if played on double or triple letter/word scores. In the TWL and Collins lists, “em” is worth 4 points (1 point for each letter, with “m” being worth 3 points). Its brevity makes it useful for fitting into tight spaces on the board or for creating strategic plays involving high-value letters.
It’s worth noting that “em” is somewhat similar to other short, valid Scrabble words that are often used in wordplay. For example, “am” (a form of “be”), which is worth 3 points; “me” (another pronoun), worth 2 points; and “um” (an interjection), worth 2 points. These words are all valid in Scrabble and can be useful for quick scoring or strategic placement.
In summary, “em” is a valid Scrabble word in both North American and international official word lists. Its recognition highlights Scrabble’s inclusion of certain archaic or informal words that are still part of the English language. Whether you are a casual player or a competitive tournament participant, knowing that “em” counts can help you maximize your scoring options during gameplay.