Poople #253 Answer: SAYS to POOP
April 24, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from SAYS to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1SAYSBAYS1st letter, S to B
- Step 2BAYSBOYS2nd letter, A to O
- Step 3BOYSBOOS3rd letter, Y to O
- Step 4BOOSBOOP4th letter, S to P
- Step 5BOOPPOOP1st letter, B to P
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from SAYS to POOP.
SAYS connects to 17 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Easier than #252 (MUTT, par 6) by 1 move(s). #252 MUTT
Easier than #254 (NERD, par 6) by 1 move(s). #254 NERD
How the routes branch
Every word in this ladder is forced. Swap any single word for another valid neighbour and the route gets longer.
This ladder to POOP is certainly a creative one, turning "says" into "bays" before landing on "boys." A real head-scratcher!
Bridge words
- SAYS(verb)
- third person singular present tense of say
- BAYS(noun)
- inlets of the sea where the land curves inward
- BOYS(noun)
- plural of boy
- BOOS(noun)
- Shouts of disapproval made by a crowd.
- BOOP(noun)
- A gentle playful tap, especially on the nose.
First moves from SAYS
SAYS has 17 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 #253 answer?
The #253 start word is SAYS. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: SAYS -> BAYS -> BOYS -> BOOS -> BOOP -> POOP.
Is there really only one shortest path from SAYS to POOP?
Yes, there is only one shortest path of 5 moves to reach POOP. This unique path starts with SAYS, then goes to BAYS, BOYS, BOOS, and finally BOOP before reaching POOP. Any other first move from SAYS will result in a longer solution.
What is the best first move from SAYS?
The best first move from SAYS is BAYS, which allows you to reach POOP in 4 more moves for a total of 5. All other 16 valid first moves from SAYS will result in solutions that are at least one or two moves longer than the par of 5. For example, moving to DAYS or GAYS adds an extra move.
Are there any first moves from SAYS that lead to significantly longer solutions?
Yes, two first moves from SAYS will cost you two extra moves compared to the par. These moves are SACS and SARS. If you start with either of these words, your solution will be at least 7 moves long.