Language Resource Center
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA 19530
T 484-646-5865
F 610-683-4618
lrc@kutztown.edu
http://www.kutztown.edu/
LanguageResourceCenter
Defcondare
2015 World Languages Meet
Description:
Defcondare is a team version of Balderdash® or Fictionary. It requires refined listening skills, excellent language
production skills, accurate grammar, and the ability to negotiate meaning. Teams are given challenging and potentially
unfamiliar words in the target language. For each word given, the team receives the accurate definition and must
develop 3 more fictitious but plausible definitions. Taking turns, one team member from the opposing team must
correctly guess the definition, in order to earn points for their team.
Rules for Defcondare:
The objective of the game is to have the other team guess an incorrect definition of the word provided, by creating fake
definitions of this word that seem as though they are the true definition.
1. Before game play begins, students will select all words to be used for play and will formulate their definitions.
2. For each word, the team will be given a correct definition. The team develops two fictitious and plausible definitions
for each word and determines the order in which they will play each word.
3. Upon the start of the event, each team takes turns trying to “stump” another team.
4. The member of the opposing team selected to answer will be given one minute to choose without consulting the
other members of his/her team.
5. However, the team will have a total of 3 “saves” in which they may choose to get help. Each of these “saves” may
only be used once by each team (not member).
• Poll your teammates: The teammate will poll their teammates to see which definition the majority believes to be
correct.
• Eliminate an answer: The team which has given the definitions will reveal to the guessing team one definition that
is incorrect.
• Phone a teammate: The guessing teammate will be allowed to ask one of their teammates what they believe the
correct answer to be.
5. Once the correct definition has been guessed the next team will begin their turn.
Scoring Procedures:
Correct guess within one minute: 2 points awarded.
Correct guess with a “save” (within two minutes): 1 point awarded
Correct guess after two minutes: 0 points awarded
Incorrect guess: team who developed definitions receives 1 point
Any violation of the rules above will forfeit the turn and the opposing team will be awarded 2 points.
Hints for Success:
The vocabulary used may consist of dialectical words, uncommon or jargon terms. These words are not expected to be
part of the Advanced level students vocabulary. Example: szopelka (so-pell-kah) A Russian musical instrument similar to
the oboe. (Definition are to be given in the target language) The challenge is more in producing definitions whose
grammar and vocabulary are such to pass as true definitions than in guessing correctly.
• Practice grammar structures appropriate to development of definitions
• Play Fictionary as part of language club activities
• Have a word of the day that is fun and challenging
• Have students look at the etymology and target language dictionary definition of new and known vocabulary
• Develop collective vocabulary lists that stump and astound - each student bring one word per class