What Are the "Unspeakable Acts"?

Posted on November 12, 2025 | 8 min read

You're going through the Rice Purity Test, answering questions honestly, when suddenly you encounter one of the test's most enigmatic items: "Have you committed an act of incest?" or references to "unspeakable acts." And you wonder: What exactly does this mean? Why is it so vague?

This question has puzzled test-takers for decades. Let's explore what "unspeakable acts" really means and why it's one of the most debated items on the entire test.

The Mystery of Vague Terminology

The Rice Purity Test includes several questions that use intentionally ambiguous language. The reference to "unspeakable acts" is perhaps the most famous example of this approach.

Why So Vague?

The ambiguity is intentional and serves several purposes:

• Self-Definition: Allows each person to define what "unspeakable" means based on their own values and experiences
• Discretion: Avoids explicitly listing extreme or disturbing activities
• Universal Application: Can apply to different people in different ways
• Conversation Starter: The mystery generates discussion and interpretation
• Historical Context: Reflects the era when explicit discussions were more taboo

What Might "Unspeakable Acts" Include?

While there's no official definition, "unspeakable acts" generally refers to activities that fall into these categories:

1. Extreme Illegal Activities

Activities that are not just illegal but are considered serious crimes:

• Violent crimes
• Major criminal offenses
• Acts that cause serious harm to others
• Severe violations of law and ethics

2. Taboo Sexual Activities

Sexual activities that are considered beyond societal norms or are illegal:

• Activities involving lack of consent
• Illegal sexual behaviors
• Extreme practices that most people would find shocking
• Activities that violate social taboos

3. Activities You'd Be Ashamed to Admit

Some interpret "unspeakable" more personally—things you've done that you:

• Would never tell anyone about
• Deeply regret
• Consider your most embarrassing moments
• Feel would change how people see you

4. Extreme Risk-Taking Behavior

Dangerously reckless activities that could cause serious harm:

• Life-threatening stunts or dares
• Extreme substance abuse
• Reckless behavior that endangered yourself or others
• Activities with potentially severe consequences

Different Interpretations

Because the term is so subjective, different people interpret it differently:

Conservative Interpretation

Some test-takers with more conservative values might consider relatively mild activities "unspeakable":

• Activities that violate their religious beliefs
• Behaviors their family would strongly disapprove of
• Things they personally find morally wrong
• Activities outside their comfort zone

Liberal Interpretation

Others might only check this box for truly extreme activities:

• Only serious crimes or ethical violations
• Behaviors that caused real harm to others
• Activities they genuinely can't speak about
• Experiences that crossed major moral lines

Humorous Interpretation

Some people take a lighter approach:

• Extremely embarrassing but harmless moments
• Weird personal habits
• Strange but legal activities
• Things that are awkward rather than immoral

Should You Check This Box?

This is ultimately a personal decision. Here are some guidelines:

Reasons to Check It

• You've done something you genuinely consider "unspeakable" by your own standards
• You've engaged in seriously illegal or harmful behavior
• You've done something you'd never want anyone to know about
• The activity would be considered extreme by any reasonable standard

Reasons Not to Check It

• You can't think of anything that truly fits this description
• You're unsure what qualifies
• Your most extreme experiences are already covered by other questions
• You interpret "unspeakable" very strictly

The "When in Doubt" Rule

Why This Question Exists

You might wonder why the test includes such a vague, subjective question. Here's the reasoning:

1. Catch-All Category

The test can't possibly list every extreme or taboo activity. This question serves as a catch-all for anything not explicitly mentioned elsewhere.

2. Self-Reflection Tool

The vagueness forces test-takers to think about their own boundaries and values. What one person considers unspeakable reveals something about their moral framework.

3. Conversation Generator

This question generates more discussion than almost any other. People debate what it means, share (or refuse to share) interpretations, and use it as a starting point for deeper conversations.

4. Historical Discretion

When the test was created, explicitly mentioning certain activities was taboo. Using euphemistic language was a way to address these topics while maintaining propriety.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception #1: Everyone Checks This Box

Reality: Most people don't check this box. It's one of the least commonly checked items on the test.

Misconception #2: It's About Specific Activities

Reality: There's no official list of what qualifies. It's intentionally open to interpretation.

Misconception #3: Checking It Makes You a Bad Person

Reality: The test is non-judgmental. Past mistakes don't define your current character.

Misconception #4: You Should Check It If You've Done Anything Embarrassing

Reality: "Embarrassing" and "unspeakable" are different. Most embarrassing moments don't qualify as truly unspeakable.

The Impact on Your Score

Like all questions on the Rice Purity Test, this one is worth exactly one point. Checking it will lower your score by one, just like any other question.

However, because of its mysterious nature, many people pay disproportionate attention to this particular item. In reality, whether you check it or not has minimal impact on your overall score.

Alternative Versions and Variations

Different versions of the Rice Purity Test handle this concept differently:

• Some versions are more explicit about what "unspeakable" means
• Others remove this question entirely
• Modern updates sometimes replace it with more specific questions
• Certain variations include multiple questions about extreme behavior instead of one vague one

Privacy and Safety Reminder

If you have engaged in illegal activities or activities that caused harm to others, the Rice Purity Test isn't the place to address these issues. Consider:

• Speaking with a therapist or counselor
• Seeking appropriate legal guidance
• Making amends if possible
• Learning from past mistakes

Remember that the test is anonymous, but it's also not a substitute for professional help if you're dealing with serious issues.

The Philosophy Behind the Ambiguity

The "unspeakable acts" question represents something deeper about the Rice Purity Test philosophy:

• Personal Accountability: You define your own boundaries
• Self-Awareness: Understanding what crosses lines for you personally
• Growth Mindset: Acknowledging that people can make mistakes and learn
• Non-Judgment: The test doesn't tell you what's right or wrong

Final Thoughts

The "unspeakable acts" question remains one of the most intriguing aspects of the Rice Purity Test. Its ambiguity is both a feature and a source of endless debate. There's no "right" way to interpret it, and that's exactly the point.

Whether you check this box or not, remember that the test is meant to be a tool for self-reflection and social bonding—not a source of stress or shame. Your interpretation of "unspeakable" is personal and valid, whatever it may be.

Most importantly: if you haven't done anything that fits your personal definition of "unspeakable," don't worry about this question. And if you have, remember that past actions don't define your future. We all have the capacity to learn, grow, and make better choices.