Words Ending in DI
DI endings mark a word as distinctly foreign. WADI (a dry riverbed), CADI (an Islamic judge), EFFENDI (a Turkish title), BINDI (the decorative forehead dot) -- these come from Arabic, Turkish, Hindi, and other languages that don't follow English spelling conventions. That foreignness makes DI words challenging in crosswords but rewarding in Scrabble, where knowing obscure two-letter combinations can win games.
Most DI words fall in the 4-to-5 letter range, making them perfect for tight Scrabble board positions. WADI at 8 points and CADI at 7 points are clean, short plays. EFFENDI is longer at 7 letters but uses all common tiles for a potential bingo. In crosswords, WADI is the one you'll encounter most -- it's a staple of geography-themed puzzles, clued as "Desert gulch" or "Dry streambed." BINDI has appeared more in modern crosswords as constructors diversify their vocabulary. For related patterns, explore words ending in AH which shares the same Middle Eastern linguistic roots. Also see words ending in U for more foreign borrowings, and words starting with X for another set of words with non-English origins.
FAQ
What is EFFENDI and when is it used in puzzles?
EFFENDI is a Turkish title of respect, similar to "sir" or "mister." In crosswords, it's clued as "Turkish title" or "Eastern form of address." At 7 letters, it can be a Scrabble bingo worth 61 points (11 base + 50 bonus). For more title words, check words ending in Q where words like SUQ carry cultural weight.
Are DI words commonly known by casual players?
WADI and BINDI are the most recognized. CADI, KADI, and GADI are less familiar but worth memorizing for competitive play. The key is that these words use simple, common letters despite their exotic origins, making them easy to form on a Scrabble rack. See words ending in EX for similarly useful short words with less common endings.