Poople #174 Answer: SHAM to POOP
February 4, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from SHAM to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1SHAMSLAM2nd letter, H to L
- Step 2SLAMSLAP4th letter, M to P
- Step 3SLAPPLAP1st letter, S to P
- Step 4PLAPPLOP3rd letter, A to O
- Step 5PLOPPOOP2nd letter, L to O
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
2 distinct shortest path(s) from SHAM to POOP.
SHAM connects to 11 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 3 and rejoin 1 move(s) later, at move 4.
Easier than #173 (WRIT, par 6) by 1 move(s). #173 WRIT
How the routes branch
Right after SLAP, 2 different words keep the route just as short: PLAP, SLOP. Whichever one you pick, the routes lead back together at PLOP on move 4.
This path from SHAM to POOP is a real "slam" dunk! That PLAP to PLOP transition is a neat trick.
Bridge words
- SHAM(noun)
- something that is not what it purports to be; a counterfeit
- SLAM(verb)
- shut a door, window, or lid forcefully and loudly
- SLAP(verb)
- strike with an open hand or flat object
- PLAP
- There is no widely recognized definition for 'plap' in standard English dictionaries.
- PLOP(verb)
- To fall with a soft sound, like an object dropping into water.
First moves from SHAM
SHAM has 11 legal first moves. Only one of them stays on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 4 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 6 moves total to POOP.
Costs two extra moves: 7 moves total to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
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Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #174 answer?
The #174 start word is SHAM. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: SHAM -> SLAM -> SLAP -> PLAP -> PLOP -> POOP.
Why does the puzzle say there are only two shortest solutions from SHAM?
There are two distinct shortest solutions from SHAM because both paths are 5 moves long. One path goes SHAM, SLAM, SLAP, SLOP, PLOP, POOP, while the other goes SHAM, SLAM, SLAP, PLAP, PLOP, POOP.
Is SLAM the only first move from SHAM that leads to a shortest solution?
Yes, SLAM is the only first move from SHAM that keeps you on track for a shortest solution. Any other first move, such as SCAM or SHAG, will cost you at least one extra move to reach POOP.
What is unusual about the word PLAP in this puzzle?
PLAP is an unusual word in this puzzle because it does not have a widely recognized definition in standard English dictionaries. Despite this, it is a valid step in one of the shortest solutions from SHAM.
Do all solutions from SHAM pass through the same words at some point?
Yes, all solutions from SHAM must pass through the word SLAP. After SLAP, the paths diverge through either SLOP or PLAP, but they then meet again at PLOP before reaching POOP.