Poople #177 Answer: ETCH to POOP

February 7, 2026 · Hard · 9 moves

Full solution

Reveal one hint at a time to keep the challenge, or jump straight to the full shortest path from ETCH to POOP.

About this puzzle

Par 9 of 11. Rated Hard.

20 or more distinct shortest paths from ETCH to POOP.

ETCH connects to 2 other valid words.

The shortest routes split after move 3 and never agree again before POOP.

Harder than #176 (BUOY, par 6) by 3 move(s). #176 BUOY

Harder than #178 (GIGS, par 5) by 4 move(s). #178 GIGS

How the routes branch

Right after MACH, 4 different words keep the route just as short: MACE, MASH, MATH, MUCH. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.(Based on the 20+ shortest routes we found; more may exist.)

This ladder is a real mouth-mover! From "etch" to "poop" in nine steps, with "muck" as a surprisingly solid mid-point.

Bridge words

ETCH(verb): To engrave a design onto a surface with acid or a sharp tool.
EACH(determiner): Every one of two or more people or things, regarded individually.
MACH(noun): The ratio of the speed of an object to the speed of sound.
MUCH(adjective): a large amount or great extent of something
MUCK(noun): dirt, filth, or waste matter; to remove dirt or refuse
BUCK(noun): A male deer, or a sudden jump made by a horse.
BOCK(noun): A strong dark German lager traditionally brewed for spring.
BOOK(noun): A set of printed pages bound together for reading.
BOOP(noun): A gentle playful tap, especially on the nose.

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FAQ

What is the Poople #177 answer?

The #177 start word is ETCH. One shortest path to POOP takes 9 moves: ETCH -> EACH -> MACH -> MUCH -> MUCK -> BUCK -> BOCK -> BOOK -> BOOP -> POOP.

How many steps does Poople #177 take?

Poople #177 (ETCH) has a par of 9. The shortest path from ETCH to POOP takes 9 move(s).

How many different shortest solutions does Poople #177 have?

Poople #177 has 20 or more distinct shortest paths from ETCH to POOP.

How hard is Poople #177?

Poople #177 is rated Hard with a par of 9 out of a maximum of 11 across all daily start words.