GADJE and KOPJE: The Two Words Ending in JE
English has exactly two common dictionary words ending in -JE: GADJE and KOPJE. Both are borrowed from other languages and carry very specific meanings. GADJE (also spelled GADJE) is the Romani word for a non-Romani person — an outsider. KOPJE (sometimes KOPPIE) is a South African term for a small rocky hill, from the Afrikaans word for "little head." These aren't words most people encounter in daily conversation, but they're gold for word game enthusiasts.
In Scrabble, KOPJE scores 18 points — the K (5 points) and J (8 points) make it a powerhouse for a five-letter word. GADJE hits 14 points. Both words are valid in SOWPODS, though GADJE may not be in all TWL editions, so check your tournament word list. For crossword solvers, KOPJE typically appears with clues like "South African hillock" or "small rocky elevation." It's one of those answers you either know or you don't — no amount of letter-logic will get you there without the vocabulary. The J-ending is rare enough in English that knowing these two words gives you a real advantage. Compare with words ending in JET for more J-pattern plays, and see words ending in QUE for another uncommon consonant ending borrowed from foreign languages.
FAQ
Are there any other English words ending in J or JE?
Words ending in plain J include HAJ, RAJ, and TAJ. But the -JE ending is limited to GADJE and KOPJE in standard dictionaries. The J tile is hard to use in Scrabble, so memorize all short J words. For more J vocabulary, check words ending in H where you'll find words like HAJJ crossing J-patterns.
How do you pronounce KOPJE?
KOPJE is pronounced "KOP-ee" — the J has a Y-sound, following Afrikaans pronunciation. In crossword puzzles, you'll never need to say it aloud, but knowing the pronunciation helps remember the spelling. For similar borrowed-word patterns, see words starting with EX for Latin-origin terms.