The Famously Tiny -GRY Club
Here's a bit of word trivia that's fueled pub arguments for decades: how many common English words end in -GRY? Just two — ANGRY and HUNGRY. That's it for everyday vocabulary. The old riddle "name three words ending in -GRY" has frustrated people since the 1970s, and the third answer usually depends on a trick in how the question is phrased. PUGGRY (a cloth wrapped around a hat or helmet, also spelled PUGGAREE) rounds out the group in most word game dictionaries, but you'd be forgiven for never having seen it outside Scrabble.
For crossword solvers, the -GRY ending is actually a gift. When you see "_____GRY" in a grid, your options are so limited that the answer is almost always ANGRY or HUNGRY. Context from the clue will settle it fast. In Scrabble, PUGGRY scores a respectable 13 points before any board multipliers, and knowing it exists can catch an opponent off guard. If you enjoy rare endings, take a look at words ending in Q or words ending in VIE for similarly small but useful sets.
FAQ
Is PUGGRY valid in Scrabble?
Yes, PUGGRY is accepted in most Scrabble dictionaries including TWL and SOWPODS. It refers to a lightweight cloth worn around a sun helmet. For other unusual short word sets, check out words ending in VIE.
Why does the "three words ending in GRY" riddle trick people?
The riddle is a language trick — most versions embed the answer in the phrasing itself ("language" being the third word in "the English language"). Only ANGRY and HUNGRY are common -GRY words, making it one of English's most persistent brain teasers. For another rare pattern, see words starting with Q.
What's the best crossword strategy when you spot a -GRY ending?
With only three possible words, count the letters and check crossing clues. A 5-letter answer is ANGRY, 6 letters narrows it to HUNGRY or PUGGRY. Cross-referencing even one intersecting letter solves it immediately. You might also find words starting with J helpful for tricky grid corners.