If you ask almost anyone on the street if they have ever done a word search puzzle, the overwhelming answer would be YES.
Based on that kind of response you would think this type of word puzzle has been around for hundreds of years. However, that just is not the case.
So, who invented the word search puzzle… and how long has it been around?
The answer it seems may depend on where you ask and whom you ask.
One thing everyone does agree on is that this type of puzzle was introduced to the world in the 1960’s.
Who Invented Word Search?
The English word search puzzle was invented by Norman E. Gibat of Norman, Oklahoma on March 1, 1968.
His small publication called the Selenby Digest published a word search puzzle that included 34 Oklahoma towns that could be found up, down, across and diagonally in a 20×20 grid.
His puzzles quickly grew in popularity among locals, and soon began showing up in classrooms around the area as teachers loved using them as educational tools for their students.
Shortly thereafter, the puzzles spread throughout the nation.
So, why is there any question regarding their invention?
It seems that Norman Gibat was not the only one who came up with the idea for a word search puzzle.
A Spanish puzzle writer, Pedro Ocon de Oro, published a puzzle called Sopa deLetras in the 1960’s as well. This new puzzle, which is also known as Soup of Letters, quickly became popular throughout Spain.
Did one copy the idea from the other? We simply cannot say for sure, but it seems that they both came up with the idea independent of one another. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?
We’ve taken their great idea and created themed word search books. You are sure to find many that will peak your interest. Click Here to find your favorite puzzles.