Thank you so much for the help (and for this great game)! I'm still a little confused on some of proper nouns and adjectives. I understand that Chihuahua uses is Wiktionary. Nevertheless, I cannot get certain word accepted that may generally be proper nouns and  commonly capitalized, but they are also listed in Wiktionary as separate, uncapitalized words. For example, I tried playing "cypriot."  I realize it's generally a proper noun that is capitalized, but Wiktionary has two listings: one is "Cypriot" (capitalized & referring to someone from Cyprus); the other is "cypriot" (no capitalization, listed as a noun with the same definition).

I try to use the general rule you suggested and have found it very helpful, but there are times I'm just not sure, and even if I check the Wiktionary after I've found the word, I am frequently told that what I submitted is not a word. The same rule does not appear to apply to words that tend to refer to a population; Wiktionary typically lists both capitalized and non-capitalized versions. I believe this is because some adjectives that were originally capitalized have now lost their capitalization because of current convention, but the most standard way I have been acquainted with as an editor was that proper adjectives that refer to where something comes from/religions/etc. (or that refer to a proper noun) are also capitalized.

I asked previously about "Latin"/"latin" and "Latino/latino." Both the proper noun and adjective there are typically capitalized. However, "latin" (lowercase) it is also the a singular form of of "lati" or "latu," the currency used by Latvia until 2014. Sometimes, the puzzle will accept French, Latin, or other non-English words that we have borrowed and/or now use in English. For example, "juste" was accepted today when I tried it, even though it is not accepted as a word by Scrabble/Merriam Webster. Wiktionary does list it, but only as a word that appears to be accepted if it is used in French or Esperanto. I sometimes hesitate to try certain fairly commonly-used words that have become part of our lexicon but  originate elsewhere or, technically speaking, are not English words. When I try that, I get mixed results (usually not accepted).

My last question is about compound words (that may or may not have required/require hyphenation or been distinct words at times). I was allowed to play "bartender," but not "barback," which is a commonly accepted word and is not hyphenated or treated as two words by Wiktionary. I can sometimes play words like this, and sometimes I can't. I assumed that if a word requires a hyphen, it's not accepted because it isn't spelled without one, but some of these others are a little confusing. Any additional information is greatly appreciated, and thank you again! This is my favorite word game.

I was surprised to play some of the 7-by-many puzzles and that "nicen" didn't seem to count. Both are listed in the Wiktionary, which I understand is the dictionary used for this game? The former word may have become accepted since I've posted this, but the latter always gives me the "Sorry, 'nicen' is not a word" message. I've not only heard it in speech for decades, but it's a pretty common verb. The usage I have read and heard express the idea of "nicen(ing) up" something (usually a room or home, but I've also seen it in the context of adjusting a person's behavior.) "Nicen up" is actually listed in the Wiktionary as the term "nicen" is derived from. Can this word be added?

Also, I cannot seem to get "pappa" accepted, despite it also being considered a noun that is a synonym for "dad, papa," etc. "Mamma" is accepted (as is Mama, if it's not the 7-by-many, so 4 letters are accepted), but I cannot seem to get "pappa" accepted. These are both common variations of the same words that simply are spelled without the double consonants in the middle.

Can we please add "torta" as a word? It is a food (usually a sandwich made of flatbread) that is available at many restaurants and is used in Mexican restaurants in most of my experiences. It is also in the Scrabble dictionary. We are allowed to name other foods (like a torte or an omelette). "Torta" does not require capitalization, so it seems to meet the criteria. Thoughts? Thank you! I love this game!

Hello,

I have noticed lately that words like “Latina” and “Latino” are accepted, but “Latin” is not . Likewise, “Satanic” is accepted, while “Satan” is not. It’s a bit confusing what the distinction is, and also what proper nouns are accepted. For example, the 7-by-many puzzle will accept the names of various currencies (such as “Ruble” or “Rupee”), but it does not allow for names of certain countries. This is a little confusing and is affecting my “hit percentage.” If anyone can explain the logic and/or clarify why some of these words are allowed, but others are not, it would be appreciated.