Official puzzle category definitions

As of 4/29/14:

Phrase
A common saying; characteristic, current, or proverbial expression. (Example - ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF) Also expressions such as WIDE-EYED are used.

Phrases
Two or more phrases that might naturally be used together (Example: YOU WASH I'LL DRY)

Person or People
A certain type of person(s) or group(s). (Examples: "Person" - BALLET DANCER, "People" - GAME SHOW CONTESTANTS.) Note: The puzzle will not be a proper name.

Proper Name
A specific person. (Example: JIMMY CARTER or PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER) or an organization (ATLANTA FALCONS, AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION).

Title(s)
Reserved for the names of plays, movies, radio & TV shows, networks, books, magazines, newspapers, songs, etc. (Example: HARPER'S BAZAAR or PARADE MAGAZINE) "Title" does not refer to the title of a person.

"Title" puzzles may be further divided into these sub-categories:
TV Title(s)
(Examples: WHEEL OF FORTUNE, HBO AND SHOWTIME)
Movie Title(s)
(Examples: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, OCEAN'S ELEVEN & OCEAN'S TWELVE)
Song Title(s)
(Examples: YESTERDAY, HAIL TO THE CHIEF)

Landmark
A conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide. (Example: WESTMINSTER ABBEY)

Place(s)
A particular portion of space; the portion of space occupied by anything common; a space used for a particular purpose; a generic place. A fictional place, town, building, or location as portrayed on television, in film, in song, or in print.
(Example: LOCKER ROOM OR DESERT, NEVER-NEVER LAND)

On The Map
Refers to a place (or places) that is a proper name. (Example: THE SAHARA DESERT OR TOLEDO OHIO OR NORTH & SOUTH DAKOTA) It could refer to one or more places or elements.

Event(s) A significant action, a milestone, an achievement, an experience, an occasion, a happening or a social gathering. (Examples: PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION, FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN, SUNDAY DINNER, ANNUAL CHECKUPS)

What Are You Doing?
Any commonplace activity, typical incident or occurrence, or regular transaction of everyday life. Most often, these puzzles will contain a word ending in "ing." (Examples: TRIMMING THE HEDGES, WALKING THE DOG, WASHING DISHES)

Where Are We Going?
Any place, location, or destination one might visit. (Examples: NASSAU IN THE BAHAMAS. THE CANADIAN ROCKIES)

Thing(s)
An inanimate object; a creature; a matter or affair; a fact or circumstance; an action, or deed, or performance; clothes or apparel; personal belongings. Anything vegetable, mineral or spiritual could be placed in this category. (Examples: HANDLEBAR MUSTACHE, SUN'S RAYS, POSITIVE ATTITUDE)

Living Thing(s)
Plants, insects, animals, etc. (Example: BUTTERFLY or OAK TREE)

Around the House
Something that you would find around the house. (Example: DINING ROOM TABLE or MEASURING TAPE)

In the Kitchen
Thing or things that you would find specifically in the kitchen. (Example: FOOD PROCESSOR or BREAD KNIFE)

Food & Drink
Any and all things included in the human diet; virtually anything that can be consumed; from the elaborate items found on restaurant menus (Example: LOBSTER TAILS WITH LEMON AND DRAWN BUTTER) to everyday dishes, meals, snacks, treats, condiments, ingredients, beverages, refreshments, etc. (Examples: CORN CHIPS, ICE WATER).

Quotation
Familiar excerpt from a literary work, speech, movie, etc. (Example: ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU)

Song Lyrics
Excerpt from a song (Example: COME ON BABY LIGHT MY FIRE, YOU AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT A HOUND DOG)

The 70's, 80's, & 90's
Refers to events, people, fads, or well-known facts associated with the decade referenced. (Example: If the category is "The 70's", the puzzle might be MOOD RINGS & PET ROCKS. For "The 80's", RISKY BUSINESS. For "The 90's", NORTHERN EXPOSURE)

Headline
A typical news story headline of a current event. (Example: U.S. GYMNASTS EARN OLYMPIC GOLD)

Show Biz
People, places, things, and events in the world of entertainment (Example: PAT SAJAK NAMED WHEEL OF FORTUNE HOST)

Character(s)
Fictional characters, cartoon characters, literary characters, characters portrayed on television, etc. (Example: DONALD DUCK)

Star & Role
Famous actor or actress and a role he/she is well-known for. (Example: VIVIEN LEIGH AS SCARLETT O'HARA)

Occupation
One's profession. (Example: DOCTOR)

Occupations
Two or more occupations (Example: DOCTOR & LAWYER OR DOCTORS & LAWYERS)

Husband & Wife
Famous couples (Example: CLINT & LISA HARTMAN BLACK OR PERFORMERS CLINT & LISA HARTMAN BLACK)

Family
Members of a family, real or fictional. In most cases, the fictional family's last name, if popularly known, will be included in the puzzle. (Example: WARREN BEATTY & SHIRLEY MACLAINE. BARNEY, BETTY & BAMM-BAMM RUBBLE.)

Classic TV
Relates to characters, stars, titles, or storylines from classic television shows from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. (Example: JACKIE GLEASON AS BUS DRIVER RALPH KRAMDEN)

TV Quote
Familiar excerpt from the world of television. (It's possible that after the contestant solves the puzzle the host may ask if he/she can tell the title of the TV show; if the contestant knows the correct answer, he/she will receive a $3000 bonus. Only the winning contestant has the opportunity to receive the $3000 bonus. Example: "BOOK `EM DANNO" — The answer is "HAWAII FIVE-O".)

Movie Quote
Familiar excerpt from the world of film. (It's possible that after the contestant solves the puzzle, the host may ask if he/she can tell the title of the movie; if the contestant knows the correct answer, he/she will receive a $3000 bonus. Only the winning contestant has the opportunity to receive the $3000 bonus. Example: "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" — The answer is "A FEW GOOD MEN".)

Best Seller(s)
The title or titles of very popular, well-known books, ranging from the contemporary to the classic, (Example: TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE or OLIVER TWIST & A CHRISTMAS CAROL)

Fun & Games
Refers to titles, actions, places and things associated with enjoyment, amusement, sports, play, relaxation or leisure, (Examples: BEACH VOLLEYBALL, PLAYING WITH LEGOS, CHECKERS & CHESS, AN EVENING STROLL)

Same Letter
A puzzle containing two or more words that begin with the same letter. (Examples: FABULOUS FALL FOLIAGE, PRIM & PROPER, ALL — AMERICAN ATHLETE) Note: When a contestant calls the "same letter", he/she will receive an additional $1,000. It will be added to the contestant's current round total.

Same Name
Multiple puzzles which share the same last word. (Example: TOM & CARIBBEAN CRUISE).

Before & After
Multiple puzzles related by a middle word. (Example: BOTTLE OF SCOTCH TAPE.)

Rhyme Time
A puzzle containing one or more words which rhyme and are associated. (Example: FUNNY MONEY, BRIGHT LIGHT, BEAT THE HEAT, PAYDAY).

Artist/Song or Song/Artist
Singer, musician, or composer and a song which he/she is well-known for. (Examples: BILLY JOEL'S JUST THE WAY YOU ARE)

Title/Author or Author/Title
Book, play or story title and the author who wrote it. (Example: THE RAINMAKER BY JOHN GRISHAM)

Rock On!
Titles & artists, people, themes, events and milestones from the entire rock 'n' roll era. -Rock On!" puzzles will most often contain at least one proper name. (Examples: THE BEATLES' WHITE ALBUM. ELVIS ENTERS THE U.S. ARMY)

College Life
"People, places, things, events, achievements, organizations, experiences and activities, both academic and social, associated with life at a college or university. (Examples: PLEDGING A SORORITY or THE DEAN'S LIST)

Interesting that it says "a creature" for THING. Wouldn't "a creature" be considered either a LIVING THING or a CHARACTER?

Nope. That category's never been used.

^ Rock On! was used on two episodes that aired after Charlie's death. He announced it on both instances, but was dubbed over by Pat.