Gear › How-to · Updated October 2026

Forbidden Words

Forbidden words on the lot
Forbidden words on the lot

Overview

Forbidden words is a talk game, not a throw game. Pick a short ban list before kickoff — rival name, “touchdown,” someone’s catchphrase — and anyone who says one takes the house forfeit (drink, push-ups, grill duty, or an NA penalty). Resets every quarter. Zero gear beyond a shared list.

Why it’s a good choice

Works for mixed crews: drinkers, non-drinkers, kids with a silly forfeit. No table required. Keeps conversation lively during the slow hour before gates. Best when the ban list stays short (3–5 words) — a novel of forbidden terms kills the fun.

Where best to play

Anywhere people are talking — under the canopy, in the chairs, walking to the gate as a crew. No footprint. No lane. Ideal when the lot is packed and toss games are parked. If the school bans drinking games, run it with non-drink forfeits only and you’re still in the clear.

Rules

  1. Agree the ban list out loud (or write it on a cup). Everyone hears it once.
  2. Say a forbidden word → take the forfeit immediately. No stack arguments.
  3. Reset the slate each quarter (or each hour at a non-football tailgate).
  4. New words can be added only between periods — not mid-sentence to trap someone.
  5. House forfeits stay light. Humiliation games don’t belong on a friendly lot.

Responsible drinking: if the forfeit is a drink, water still alternates; limits still lock. See Drinking games.

Gear / setup notes

A marker and a cup, or a notes app. Optional: a “jail” chair for repeat offenders (keep it funny). Hub: Drinking games.

Short list. Light forfeit. Reset every quarter.

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