SEATTLE -- Maybe all you remember is the pressure, the tension, and the rejection.

But maybe it's time give the "spelling bee" another try.

Once a month, adults get together to out-spell each other. Kind of like the 3rd grade, "except that beer is thrown in and that adds an extra element of fun," says organizer Johnathan Kyu.

Welcome to the Seattle Spelling Bee. The casual competition is now in its second generation, thanks to Johnathan. He took over for the original king bees.

"They hung up their dictionary, and I asked if they were going to have anyone take it over," Kyu said. "They asked: 'Do you want to do it?' and I said: 'Uh...that wasn't what I was asking.' "

The evening functions much like the spell-offs of your youth, just as long as you remember to kick-it "spelling bee" style: Say the word, then spell the word, then say the word again.

Regular speller Randy Hilfman is usually one of the top finishers in the monthly competition. He says he's glad to have the opportunity to spell as a grown-up.

"I sort of rue the fact that I really didn't get involved in spelling bees as a kid," he says.

The monthly competition is held one Monday a month at Jillian's on Westlake. Monday night's event is free to watch, and just $5 to participate.

If you'd like to find out more about the event, check out the Seattle Spelling Bee website

Since this event happens in a bar, Johnathan, what happens when you add beer to a bee?

"For some people, it's like bowling," he says with a smile. "They get better when they have a few beers. Some people kind of tail-off."