Can Scrabble use txt wrds?

It is only a game - but it has turned into a bitter war of words.

The world of Scrabble has been rocked by a row over whether mobile phone 'text slang' should be accepted in competition.

Some players want to use words such as 'luv', 'tmorrw' and 'U' - claiming the game should reflect modern language.

But outraged Scrabble purists have dismissed the suggestion as crazy.

The debate has escalated as the National Scrabble Championship finals loom this weekend.

Allan Simmons, chairman of the Association of British Scrabble Players, said: 'I only want to see "words" on the Scrabble board.

'In my view, abbreviated letter sequences used in text language are not words. They will cause an outcry from club and tournament players.'

But the opposing camp argues that slang such as 'AKA' (also known as - 7pts) and 'FWIW' (for what it's worth - 13pts), are part of everyday language and would encourage more young people to play.

'Text words are fast becoming part of the vocabulary of young people,' said Philip Nelkon of Mattel, which makes the game. 'As the English language evolves, it is important that Scrabble embraces new changes.'

There were no text words in existing Scrabble dictionaries but his company may add them in future, he added. It had better be prepared for blood on the game board...