What it means
Used as an adjective meaning you’re up for it, willing to give something a crack, even if it sounds a bit daft or risky. When someone asks Are you game? they’re basically checking you’ve got the bottle to tag along. Can be proper brave, or just you chatting big before the cold water hits. Handy word for dares and last-minute plans.
Usage examples
"Dave reckons we should hike Snowdon in trainers. I said I was game, then I saw the weather and started bargaining for a lift instead."
"There's a free table at the salsa class, you game?"
"She's always game for a last-minute road trip."
"We could sneak in a dawn swim before work if you're game."
"I wasn't game to try his mystery chilli after watching Pete nearly cry into his pint."
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Where it comes from
This one’s old-school. It grew out of game in the hunting sense, meaning an animal fit to be hunted, then shifted into praise for fighters or people who stayed brave under pressure. By the 18th and 19th centuries, calling someone game meant they had nerve, grit, and wouldn’t back out.
Other ways to say it
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