Poetry for Neanderthals – Speak Small Words, Win Big 🪵😂

Big ideas, tiny words, one inflatable club – Poetry for Neanderthals is a team word-guessing game that gets the whole room laughing.

In this party game for 2 or more players aged 7 and up, the Poet tries to make their team guess a word or phrase using only one-syllable words. Use a longer word and the other team may bonk you with the 2-foot inflatable No! Stick.

🗣️ One Syllable Only

"Big. Grey. Long nose." Simple – until you need to say "elephant" without saying it.

🪵 The No! Stick

The other team listens closely. One slip and the soft inflatable club comes down – gently.

🎯 1 or 3 Points

Every card has an easy word for 1 point and a harder phrase for 3. Go safe or go big.

⏳ Beat the Timer

Guess as many cards as you can before the sand timer runs out, then the other team takes over.

📦 Lots of Cards

200 double-sided cards, 2 game boards, the No! Stick and a sand timer. More ideas in our party games.

Why You'll Love Poetry for Neanderthals:

• 😂 Instant Laughs: the simplest rule creates the funniest clues.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Kids and Adults: from 7 years, great for mixed groups.
• 👥 Big Groups Welcome: play in two teams, for 2 or more players.

Quick facts

• Players: 2+
• Playing time: about 15 minutes
• Age: 7+
• Game design: Francesca Slade and Jacob Matthews, developed by Exploding Kittens
• Publisher: Exploding Kittens
• Edition / language: English – you need English to play

Do you need English to play? Yes – the cards and the one-syllable rule are in English.
Does the stick hurt? No – it is soft and inflatable.

"Man. Moon. Walk. First." Pick a Poet, start the timer and play Poetry for Neanderthals together. 🪵

⚠️ Warning: Choking hazard – small parts. Not for children under 3 years.