Only in Collins.
KY is valid in the international Collins list used for crossword tile games outside North America, but not in the North American list.
KY is valid in the international Collins list but not in the NASPA Word List 2023, the North American list. If your group plays with the Collins toggle on, it counts; otherwise it can be challenged off the board.
About KY
KY, also spelled kye, is an old Scots plural for cows. In Collins it is a strong play, with the 5-point K and the 4-point Y in just two tiles. Players of the North American list can't use it, so check which list your table plays before putting it down. If KY is not allowed, look for SKY or KAY instead, which use the same two tiles plus one more.
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KY scores 9 points
Before any bonus squares: K 5 + Y 4 = 9. On a double-word square that's 18, on a triple-word 27, and every letter bonus under one of these tiles is applied first.
Example: KY as the first play
Later in the game, put the K on a 3L square and KY is worth 19 before any word bonus.
Hooks: one tile makes a new word
Longer words from KY
Change one tile
Same letters, other words
No other word in the list uses exactly the letters K and Y.
Memory tip
KY means cows in Scots. It is valid only in the Collins list.
On these lists
Other two-letter words starting with K
Check words at the table, free
Tileside keeps score, checks words like this one during a challenge, tracks the tiles left in the bag and times turns. It runs in your phone's browser with no account and works offline.
Tileside checks words against the North American list, the NASPA Word List 2023. Your group's chosen dictionary always wins. Playing the international (Collins) list? Turn on its 20 extra two-letter words in Setup.
Word list: NASPA Word List 2023, used under license. NASPA Word List 2023 Edition © NASPA 2023. The copy included in this app is licensed for personal use. You may not use it for any commercial purposes.
Works with the Scrabble board game, played at the table. Tileside is an independent product, not affiliated with or endorsed by the makers of Scrabble.