VAT Words: A Niche Corner for Word Game Enthusiasts
VAT is one of those words that's far more useful in word games than its small family might suggest. The word itself — a large tank or tub for holding liquids — scores 6 points in Scrabble and takes several useful extensions: VATFUL, VATS, VATTED, VATTING. Then there's VATIC and VATICAL, meaning "prophetic" or "relating to prophecy," from the Latin vates (seer or prophet). The Vatican itself shares this root — it sits on Mons Vaticanus, the "hill of prophecy." That's a fact that wins bar trivia and impresses crossword buddies alike.
VATU is another VAT- word worth knowing: it's the currency of Vanuatu. Currency words are crossword gold because they show up in themed puzzles about money, geography, and world cultures. VATU scores 7 points in Scrabble and has the plural VATUS. Between VAT (container), VATIC (prophetic), and VATU (currency), this tiny word family covers three completely unrelated meanings — a sign of English pulling from Latin, Latin again, and Melanesian languages.
Tip: In Scrabble, VAT is most valuable as an extension play. If someone plays AT, dropping a V in front for VAT is a quick 6 points. Similarly, adding -TED or -TING to VAT on the board creates VATTED or VATTING. For related strategies, look at words starting with RE for another prefix that extends existing words, or check words starting with Z for high-value opening tile plays. And words starting with QU covers a different tile management challenge.
FAQ
What does VATIC mean?
VATIC means "of, relating to, or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy." It comes from Latin vates (prophet/seer). The word is rare in everyday English but appears in crossword puzzles and literary criticism. Its more common relative is VATICAN, built on the same root. For more unusual adjectives useful in crosswords, see words starting with QA.
Is VATFUL a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, VATFUL is valid in both TWL and SOWPODS, and so is its plural VATFULS. It means "as much as a vat can hold." These -FUL words are underused by most players — CUPFUL, POTFUL, VATFUL — and they can extend plays nicely. For other volume-related words, see words starting with D where you'll find DRUM, DECANTER, and similar containers.
What is a VATU?
A VATU is the basic monetary unit of Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation. It replaced the New Hebrides franc in 1981. Currency words like VATU, EURO, LIRA, and RAND are staples of crossword construction. The plural VATUS is also valid. For more unusual geographic vocabulary, explore words starting with ZA.