k-a-t
KAT (also spelled khat or qat) is an evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, whose leaves contain a stimulant and are chewed for their effects. It's a strategic K-word in Scrabble.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
KAT refers to Catha edulis, an evergreen shrub that has been cultivated and used for centuries in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The plant's fresh leaves and shoots contain cathinone, a stimulant alkaloid that produces effects similar to mild amphetamines when chewed.
In Yemen, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, chewing kat leaves is a deeply embedded social and cultural practice. Users typically gather in afternoon sessions called "kat chews" or "mafresh," where fresh leaves are chewed slowly over several hours while engaging in conversation. The practice dates back at least to the 13th century and plays a significant role in social, economic, and political life in these regions.
The botanical name Catha edulis literally means "edible catha," and the plant belongs to the Celastraceae family. It grows as a slow-growing evergreen shrub or tree that can reach 1-5 meters in cultivation, though wild specimens may grow up to 25 meters tall. The leaves must be consumed fresh, as the active compounds degrade within 48 hours of harvesting.
For word game players, KAT is valuable as one of the shorter K-words available. The K tile's 5-point value makes even simple three-letter words score well. The word's alternate spellings (KHAT, QAT) are also valid in most word games, providing flexibility when different letters are available.
The word "kat" comes from Arabic قات (qāt), which has been transliterated into English in multiple ways: kat, khat, qat, gat, and chat. The Arabic term itself may derive from the Amharic word ጫት (ch'at), reflecting the plant's Ethiopian origins.
The various spellings reflect different transliteration systems:
The word entered English through colonial contact in East Africa and Yemen during the 19th and early 20th centuries. British colonial officials and explorers documented the practice, introducing various spellings based on local pronunciations and their own transliteration preferences.
All major variants (KAT, KHAT, QAT) are accepted in Scrabble dictionaries, making this one of the few words where multiple transliterations provide different strategic options for players depending on their available tiles.
•KAT has been chewed for its stimulant effects for over 1000 years in East Africa
•The World Health Organization classified kat as a "drug of abuse" in 1980
•Fresh kat leaves lose their potency within 48 hours of being picked
•K is worth 5 points in Scrabble, making K-words valuable for scoring
"In Yemen, the afternoon kat chewing session is a cornerstone of social life."
- Cultural context
"I used KAT to connect two words vertically, scoring points in three directions."
- Scrabble strategy
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
KAT is an excellent word for deploying the valuable K tile (worth 5 points). Its three-letter length makes it versatile for tight board positions and parallel plays.
• Multiple spellings: KAT, KHAT (11 pts), QAT (12 pts)
• Extensions: KATS (plural), KATYDID
• Hooks: Can add S for plural
• Common pattern: _AT words (BAT, CAT, HAT, etc.)
In Yemen, Ethiopia, and parts of East Africa, kat chewing is far more than a habit—it's a fundamental social institution. The afternoon kat session, particularly in Yemen, structures daily life. Businesses close, government offices empty, and people gather in majlis (sitting rooms) to chew kat and discuss everything from family matters to national politics.
The economics of kat are staggering. In Yemen, kat cultivation uses about 40% of the country's water resources and occupies prime agricultural land that could grow food crops. Despite concerns about food security, kat remains popular because it's far more profitable than other crops—a reflection of its central cultural role.
Different cultures have distinct kat traditions. In Ethiopia, kat is often chewed during religious ceremonies and celebrations. Somali truck drivers use it to stay alert during long journeys. In Kenya's Meru region, where much commercial kat is grown, it's both an export crop and a local tradition.
The globalization of East African and Yemeni communities has spread kat use worldwide, though many countries now regulate or ban it. This has created complex dynamics where a practice central to some cultures is illegal in the countries where diaspora communities live.
Kat thrives at altitudes of 1,500-2,500 meters in areas with good rainfall. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought once established. Major growing regions include the Ethiopian Highlands, Yemen's mountainous regions, and Kenya's Nyambene Hills.
Fresh leaves contain cathinone and cathine, both phenethylamine-type substances. Cathinone degrades rapidly to cathine after harvest, which is why fresh leaves are prized. The concentration of active compounds varies with growing conditions, harvest time, and plant variety.
Remember that KAT, KHAT, and QAT are all valid in Scrabble. Choose based on your available tiles—QAT scores highest (12 points) if you have the Q.
Pronounced "kaht" or "chaht" depending on regional dialect. The 'a' is short, as in "cat," not long as in "kate."
Don't overlook the alternate spellings. If you can't play KAT, check if KHAT or QAT might work
with your tiles for even higher scores.Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like KAT