A rebus is a visual puzzle in which a phrase is represented by images, letters, and words, and often uses graphic puns. One source states the word rebus has its origins in the phrase non verbis sed rebus, which means "not by words, but by things." The puzzles date back to the fifteenth century, when they became popular in books of riddles and literary journals. They were also associated with coats of arms, where images would punningly allude to a person's name.

Today they are found on Narragansett beer coasters as bar games, and in children's activity sheets. For beer drinkers, kids, and anyone else, the rebus is a challenge that wakes up both sides of your brain.