The Origin of Expressions (2007) Board Game

The Origin of Expressions is a board game released in 2007 by Discovery Bay Games. It is a party game that combines elements of bluffing, trivia, and team-based gameplay. The game is designed for 3 to 99 players, making it perfect for large gatherings or parties. Players must use their knowledge of expressions and their ability to bluff in order to win the game.

Game Components of The Origin of Expressions

300 game cards featuring common everyday phrases

Paper and writing utensils for each player

Scorekeeping system

How To Setup The Origin of Expressions

To set up the game, each player needs a piece of paper and a writing utensil. The deck of phrase cards is shuffled, and one player becomes the reader for the first round. The reader draws a card with a common phrase, such as “Baker’s Dozen” or “Cat Got Your Tongue.”

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing Phrase Cards: The reader draws a card and writes down the phrase.

Writing Explanations: Each player, including the reader, writes a story explaining the origin of the phrase. The reader copies the correct answer from the card.

Collecting Answers: The reader collects all explanations and reads them out loud.

Voting: Players vote on which explanation they believe is the real origin of the phrase.

Scoring: Players earn 1 point for each vote their explanation receives. The player who selects the correct answer gets a bonus point. If no one selects the correct answer, the reader gets a bonus point.

Rotating Reader: The next player becomes the reader for the subsequent round.

Winning Condition: The first player to reach 30 points wins the game.

Player Experience

**The Origin of Expressions** is praised for its fun and educational nature. Players enjoy the creative challenge of crafting convincing stories about phrase origins, and the game often leads to entertaining and informative discussions. It is a great resource for classrooms and social gatherings, providing a blend of learning and leisure.

Pros

Educational: The game is very informative, teaching players about the origins of various phrases.

Creative: It encourages creative storytelling and thinking.

Social: Suitable for a wide range of players, making it a great game for gatherings.

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play, with straightforward rules.

Cons

Limited Replay Value: Some players find that the game has limited replay value once the phrases and their origins are known.

Detecting Correct Answers: If the reader copies the correct answer word-for-word, it can be easy to identify, making the game less challenging.

Personal Thoughts on The Origin of Expressions

**The Origin of Expressions** is ideal for older kids and adults who enjoy creative storytelling and learning new things. It is a fantastic resource for educators looking to engage students in a fun and educational activity. The game’s ability to blend entertainment with education makes it a valuable addition to any board game collection or classroom setting. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a game with high replay value or intense strategic gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.