Thanksgiving Forbidden Words Game
Thanksgiving is such a fun holiday, family, food, laughter, and maybe even a few games around the table once everyone’s stuffed with turkey and pie. One of my absolute favorite games to play during Thanksgiving is the Forbidden Words Game.
It’s super easy to set up, gets everyone laughing, and best of all, it can be played while sitting around the living room or even while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking.
If you’ve never played before, think of it like a silly word challenge where certain words are completely off-limits. If you say them, you’re out, or you lose a point, or maybe you have to do something funny. The fun part is that you get to pick which words are “forbidden,” and trust me, the possibilities for Thanksgiving are endless!
Here I will share exactly how to play, ideas for words to ban, different ways to make the game even sillier, and tips to keep it family-friendly for all ages. By the end, you’ll be totally ready to try this game at your own Thanksgiving gathering.
What Is the Thanksgiving Forbidden Words Game?
The Forbidden Words Game is a word-based party game where players have to talk, answer questions, or describe things without saying certain forbidden words.
It’s kind of like Taboo, but you can make it as easy or as tricky as you like. Since it’s Thanksgiving, you’ll want to choose seasonal words like “turkey,” “pumpkin pie,” or even “football.”
Imagine trying to explain pumpkin pie without saying the words “pumpkin” or “pie.” You might end up blurting out something like, “It’s orange, it’s sweet, it’s not a cake, and you put whipped cream on top!” Cue the laughter when someone slips up and blurts out the forbidden word.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy supplies. Just a list of forbidden words and a group of people ready to laugh.
Why Play Games at Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is mostly about food. But once everyone has eaten, you’re left with a house full of family members sitting around in a turkey coma. This is where Thanksgiving games like Forbidden Words come in handy.
Here’s why this game is so perfect for Thanksgiving:
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It’s inclusive – Kids, teens, and grandparents can all play.
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It sparks conversation – Sometimes family gatherings can be a little awkward, especially if cousins haven’t seen each other in a while. Games break the ice.
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It’s hilarious – The slip-ups are the best part!
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No prep needed – You can throw it together at the last minute.
If you’ve ever had a Thanksgiving where people just stare at the football game in silence, this game will liven things up in no time.
How to Play the Thanksgiving Forbidden Words Game
You can make the rules as simple or as detailed as you want. Here’s the basic way to play:
What You Need:
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A timer (your phone timer works fine).
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A score sheet (optional).
Step 1: Pick Your Forbidden Words
Choose around 10–20 words that fit the Thanksgiving theme. Write them on slips of paper, or just keep them on a list.
Examples:
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Turkey
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Stuffing
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Family
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Pie
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Gravy
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Feast
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Corn
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Football
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Parade
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Leftovers
Step 2: Decide How to Play
There are a few different ways to play, depending on your family’s style.
Option 1: Classic Taboo Style
One person gets a word and has to describe it without saying the forbidden word. The rest of the group has to guess what it is.
Option 2: Conversation Challenge
Ban words for everyone during dinner or dessert. For example, nobody is allowed to say “turkey” during the meal. If someone slips up, they get a penalty.
Option 3: Charades Twist
Instead of describing with words, act it out! But again, you can’t say the forbidden words.
Option 4: Speed Round
Set the timer for 60 seconds. See how many clues a player can get their team to guess in one minute, without slipping up and saying the forbidden words.
Step 3: Decide on Penalties or Points
This is where it gets fun! Decide what happens if someone says a forbidden word. Some ideas:
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They lose a point.
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They have to do a silly dance.
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They put on the “turkey hat” (grab a funny prop).
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They take over dish duty (not my favorite punishment, ha!).
Thanksgiving-Themed Forbidden Word List
If you want a ready-made list to use, here are some word ideas to get you started:
Food Words
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Turkey
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Pie
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Cranberry
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Stuffing
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Gravy
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Potatoes
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Cornbread
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Pumpkin
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Apple
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Rolls
Family & Holiday Words
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Family
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Friends
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Feast
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Thankful
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Tradition
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Gathering
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Dinner
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Parade
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Holiday
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Celebration
Fun & Random Words
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Football
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Couch
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Nap
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Leftovers
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Oven
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Kitchen
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Pilgrim
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Harvest
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Fall
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Acorn
Fun Variations of the Game
To keep things exciting, you can mix up the rules each round. Here are some creative variations:
1. Dinner Table Version
Before the meal starts, choose 3–5 forbidden words. During dinner, nobody is allowed to say them. The trick? These are words people usually say a lot, like “turkey” or “delicious.” Whoever slips up has to clear plates!
2. Kids vs. Adults
Split into two teams, kids versus adults. Let the kids come up with words the adults can’t say and vice versa. (Spoiler: the kids always win because they make it way too hard!)
3. Thankful Round
Have everyone say something they’re thankful for, but one word is off-limits. For example, you can’t say “family.” This forces everyone to get creative and think outside the box.
4. Turkey Hat Rule
Keep a silly prop handy (a turkey hat, pilgrim hat, or even an oven mitt). Whoever says a forbidden word has to wear it until someone else slips up.
5. Speedy Charades
Set a timer and act out as many Thanksgiving words as you can, but you can’t speak at all!
Tips for Making the Game More Fun
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Keep the words easy for younger kids – Don’t throw in “cranberry sauce” if your 5-year-old doesn’t even know what that is.
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Make the penalties silly, not harsh – The point is fun, not making people grumpy.
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Switch up the word list each year – That way it stays fresh.
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Play after dessert – Everyone’s relaxed and in a good mood.
Why This Game Is Perfect for All Ages
The best part of the Forbidden Words Game is that everyone can play. Kids love it because it’s silly, teens get competitive, and adults… well, we just enjoy seeing everyone laugh.
It’s also flexible, grandparents can play a slower version, while the younger crowd can do a fast-paced lightning round. Nobody feels left out.
So, this year, when everyone is lounging around after the big meal, pull out this game. All you need are a few words, a timer, and a family ready to laugh at themselves.
