Random Word

There are several possible definitions for the concept of random word. Does the random word need to exist in the dictionary? If not, should the word be pronounceable?

Word from dictionary mode: pick a common word, among the dictionary of the most frequent words.

Any dictionary word mode: a word from the dictionary, including rare words or proper names. To generate complicated words, choose between 12 and 20 letters.

Word that does not exist mode (pseudoword): a word that looks like a word from the dictionary but that does not exist. For funny words, choose between 6 and 10 letters. All words generated are pronounceable words.

Random letters mode: a list of letter that forms a word but is usually unpronounceable and that does not mean anything (except a lucky draw).

Generating random words offers several practical and creative advantages:

— Games and creativity: used in games like Pictionary, Hangman, crossword puzzles, or role-playing games to stimulate the imagination and add a challenge.

— Computer security: serve as a basis for creating strong passwords (to be combined with numbers and symbols for optimal security).

— Research and education: in linguistics, pseudowords help study word perception and learning. In psychology, they are used for memory or recognition tests.

— Content creation: generating brand names, fictional characters, or unique identifiers. Randomization avoids bias and ensures a fair distribution of letters, essential for fair and secure applications.

Generate some of the most common words and pick one of the easiest to draw.

The randomness of a word is measured by its Shannon entropy (in bits), which assesses the unpredictability of its generation. The more improbable a word is, the higher its entropy.

For passwords, a minimum entropy of 60 bits is recommended for optimal security.

Generate random words and add a prefix (or suffix) often related to the theme.