JO Words: Short, Punchy, and Worth Knowing
JO is a Scottish and dialectal English word for a sweetheart, and it's one of the most important two-letter words in Scrabble. J is worth 8 points, making JO a 10-point two-letter play — only QI and ZA beat it for short-word scoring. Beyond JO itself, the JO- family includes everyday words like JOB, JOG, JOIN, JOKE, JOT, JOY, and JOURNAL, plus some gems like JOCUND (cheerful), JOUNCE (to bounce roughly), and JOSTLE. It's a satisfying mix of familiar and unusual.
For crossword solvers, JO- words come with a particular advantage: J is rare enough that seeing it narrows your options dramatically. If a crossword grid has J in a position where the next letter must be O, you can usually solve the entire word from context. JOINT, JOLLY, JONES, JOSTLE — the options are limited compared to, say, words starting with CO or TO. That rarity is your friend. In Words With Friends, JO scores 11 points (J is worth 10 in WWF), making it even more valuable than in Scrabble.
Tip: JOTTING, JOSTLED, and JOURNAL are solid mid-length plays that use common tiles alongside the J. If you're holding a J and can't find a spot, look for an O already on the board and play JO for quick points. For more high-value opening plays, see words starting with X, or explore words starting with EX for X-tile strategy. Crossword fans should also check words starting with C for another letter that frequently crosses with J in grid patterns.
FAQ
Is JO a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, JO is valid in both TWL and SOWPODS. It means a Scottish term of endearment ("my jo" = my dear). The plural is JOES. At 10 points for two tiles, it's the highest-scoring J play per tile and a must-know for competitive players. For the other premium two-letter plays, see words starting with QI.
What's the best way to use a J tile in Scrabble?
Play it early if possible — holding J too long risks getting stuck with it at game's end (-8 points). JO, JOE, and JAB are quick dumps. For bigger plays, aim for JEER, JIBE, JINX, or JURY on double/triple letter squares. The J pairs poorly with most consonants, so vowel-heavy board positions are your target. Also see words starting with ZEN for similar high-value tile management.
What JO words appear most in crosswords?
JOLLY, JOINT, JOUST, and JOCKEY are crossword regulars. JOSTLE appears in clues about crowds, JOCUND in clues about cheerfulness, and JOURNAL in clues about writing. The less common JORUM (a large drinking bowl) shows up in harder puzzles. For other crossword-friendly letter groups, browse words starting with B.