Poople #398 Answer: WHAT to POOP
September 16, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from WHAT to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1WHATCHAT1st letter, W to C
- Step 2CHATCOAT2nd letter, H to O
- Step 3COATCOOT3rd letter, A to O
- Step 4COOTCOOP4th letter, T to P
- Step 5COOPPOOP1st letter, C to P
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About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
5 distinct shortest path(s) from WHAT to POOP.
WHAT connects to 8 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Easier than #397 (RISK, par 6) by 1 move(s). #397 RISK
Easier than #399 (DUTY, par 6) by 1 move(s). #399 DUTY
How the routes branch
Right after WHAT, 3 different words keep the route just as short: CHAT, PHAT, WHAP. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
Starting with WHAT, there are three efficient first moves, but WHAP and PHAT offer the most direct routes to POOP. Otherwise, CHAT leads to a longer but still viable path.
Bridge words
- WHAT(pronoun)
- asking for information specifying something
- CHAT(verb)
- to talk in a friendly and informal way
- COAT(noun)
- an outer garment worn for warmth or fashion
- COOT(noun)
- A foolish or eccentric old man; a type of water bird.
- COOP(noun)
- A cage or enclosure for confining chickens or other small animals.
First moves from WHAT
WHAT has 8 legal first moves. 3 of them stay 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.
Solve stats
1245 solves were recorded by the time this puzzle was published, and 34% of them finished exactly on par.
Each row below groups solves by how many extra moves beyond par they took, from 0 (exactly on par) up to 6 or more. The number on each bar is that group's solve count, followed by its share of the total.
Median solve time: 1m 06s
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 #398 answer?
The #398 start word is WHAT. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: WHAT -> CHAT -> COAT -> COOT -> COOP -> POOP.
Which first moves from WHAT keep me on track for the par score of 5?
Three first moves will keep you on track to solve today’s Poople in 5 moves: CHAT, PHAT, and WHAP. Each of these words can reach POOP in four additional steps. Other first moves will add at least one extra step to your solution.
Are there any common words that are surprisingly inefficient as a first move from WHAT?
Yes, if you tried WHET as your first move, it would cost you two extra moves to reach POOP. While SHAT, THAT, and WHAM also add an extra move, WHET is the least efficient first step from WHAT. Sticking to CHAT, PHAT, or WHAP is best for a par score.
How many different shortest solutions are there from WHAT to POOP?
There are 5 different shortest solutions for today’s puzzle, all reaching POOP in 5 moves. These paths diverge after WHAT, using first moves like PHAT, WHAP, or CHAT, and then converge again at POOP. For example, one path is WHAT -> PHAT -> PLAT -> PLAP -> PLOP -> POOP.
What is the meaning of the word COOT in this puzzle?
In Poople, COOT can refer to a foolish or eccentric old man, or it can be a type of water bird. This word appears in one of the shortest paths: WHAT -> CHAT -> COAT -> COOT -> COOP -> POOP. It’s a fun word to encounter on your way to POOP.