l-e-k
LEK has two main meanings: the currency of Albania, and a traditional mating ground where male birds perform competitive displays to attract females. A versatile word for Scrabble players.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
LEK carries two distinct meanings in English, each from entirely different origins. Most commonly in crosswords and word games, it refers to the Albanian lek, the official currency of Albania since 1926. One lek is subdivided into 100 qindarka, though coins smaller than 1 lek are no longer in circulation.
In biological and ecological contexts, a lek is a fascinating natural phenomenon—a communal area where males of certain species gather to perform competitive mating displays. This behavior, called lekking, is observed in various birds (like prairie chickens, sage grouse, and birds-of-paradise), some mammals, fish, and even insects. Males congregate at these traditional sites, often returning to the same location year after year, to show off through elaborate dances, vocalizations, or displays of plumage.
The lek mating system represents one of nature's most theatrical spectacles. Males invest enormous energy in their displays but provide no parental care—their only contribution is genetic. Females visit leks solely to observe and choose mates, often selecting from the most dominant or impressive performers. This creates intense competition among males and has driven the evolution of extraordinary ornamental features and behaviors.
For word game enthusiasts, LEK is valuable as a three-letter K word. The K tile's 5-point value makes even short words score well, and LEK's common letters (L and E) make it easy to play in tight spaces or as part of parallel word formations.
The word "lek" has two completely separate etymologies reflecting its dual meanings:
Albanian Currency: The monetary lek derives from Alexander the Great (Albanian: "Lekë" or "Leka"), whose name became synonymous with currency in the region. When Albania gained independence and established its national currency in 1926, they chose "lek" to honor this historical connection. The name reflects centuries of various "Alexander" coins circulating in Albanian territories.
Mating Ground: The biological term comes from Swedish "lek" meaning "play" or "game," first used in ornithology around 1867. Swedish naturalists studying black grouse behavior coined "lekplats" (playing place) to describe these mating arenas. The term entered English through scientific literature in the early 20th century as ethology emerged as a discipline.
Interestingly, the Swedish "lek" shares Proto-Germanic roots with English "lark" (as in "skylark" - to frolic), reinforcing the playful, performative nature of lekking behavior. This etymology perfectly captures the theatrical quality of these mating displays.
Both meanings entered English dictionaries in the 20th century—the currency term after Albanian independence, and the biological term as wildlife biology developed. Their inclusion in word game dictionaries makes LEK a valuable play despite its specialized meanings.
•Some sage grouse leks have been used continuously for over 100 years
•The Albanian lek features national hero Skanderbeg on several denominations
•Male birds at leks can lose up to 10% of their body weight during mating season
•K is worth 5 points in Scrabble, making K-words valuable for scoring
"The prairie chicken lek was active at dawn, with twelve males displaying."
- Wildlife observation
"After the currency reform, 100 old lek equaled 1 new lek in Albania."
- Economic context
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
LEK efficiently uses the valuable K tile (5 points) with common letters, making it ideal for tight board positions and building off existing words.
• End hooks: Works great at the end of words (SLEEK→SLEEKER)
• Plural form: LEKS is valid for both meanings
• Extensions: LEKKED, LEKKING (bird behavior)
• Crossword favorite: Short K words are rare and valuable
Lekking represents one of nature's most extraordinary mating systems. Unlike species where males defend territories containing resources, lekking males defend tiny territories containing nothing but space to perform. These communal display grounds become arenas of intense competition where females hold all the power of choice.
Lekking evolves under specific conditions: when males can provide no material benefits to females, when females can safely compare multiple males, and when the environment allows males to gather without excessive predation risk. This system drives extreme sexual selection, producing some of nature's most ornate displays.
Conservation biologists pay special attention to lek sites because they're traditional—some have been used for decades or even centuries. Protecting these areas is crucial for species survival, as males often won't establish new leks if traditional ones are disturbed.
The lek became Albania's currency in 1926, replacing the gold franc at a rate of 5 lek = 1 franc. Named after Alexander the Great (Lekë in Albanian), it reflects the historical influence of ancient Macedonian coins in the region. The choice symbolized Albania's independence and connection to classical antiquity.
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 lek
Notes: 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 lek
1 USD ≈ 100 lek
1 EUR ≈ 110 lek
Albanian banknotes feature national heroes and cultural landmarks. The 1000 lek note honors Pjetër Bogdani, the 2000 lek shows King Gentius, and the 5000 lek depicts Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero who resisted Ottoman expansion in the 15th century.
During communist rule (1946-1992), the lek underwent several revaluations. The most significant occurred in 1965 when 10 old lek became 1 new lek. Today's lek has remained relatively stable since Albania's transition to a market economy, though the country is considering eventual EU membership and euro adoption.
LEK is pronounced "leck" (rhymes with "check"), not "leek" or "lake." The same pronunciation applies to both meanings.
Both meanings use LEKS as the plural. For currency, "100 lek" is also acceptable (like "100 euro"), but LEKS works in Scrabble for extra points.
In crosswords, clues about "Albanian money" or "Tirana currency" refer to the monetary lek, while "mating ground" or "bird displa
y area" indicate the biological meaning.Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like LEK