Introduction
If you’re a crossword enthusiast, you undoubtedly enjoy the challenge of solving even the trickiest clues. But what do you do when you come across a clue that seems entirely too informal or obscure? Informal crossword clues, also known as cryptic clues, can be difficult to decipher, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of informal crossword clues and provide you with the tools you need to solve them once and for all.
What Are Cryptic Clues?
Before we can dive into solving informal crossword clues, it’s essential to know precisely what they are. Cryptic clues are a type of wordplay famously used in British-style crosswords. Unlike standard crossword clues, which provide straightforward definitions for the word being sought, cryptic clues are more creative, often playing with words and sentence structures to obscure the correct answer.
Decoding Cryptic Clues
Now that we know what informal crossword clues are, let’s move on to the fun part: learning how to solve them. Here are some techniques you can use to crack the code of even the trickiest cryptic clues:
Anagrams
One common tactic used in cryptic clues is anagrams. Anagrams are words or phrases that have been rearranged to form a new word or phrase. In a cryptic clue, the anagram is often indicated by a word or phrase that suggests the need for rearrangement, such as “shuffled,” “scrambled,” or “mixed up.” For example, the clue “tireless workers scrambled to set up shop” could lead you to the answer “retailers,” which is an anagram of “tireless workers.”
Homophones
Another common tactic used in cryptic clues is homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings. In a cryptic clue, the homophone is often indicated by a word or phrase that suggests the need for a sound-alike, such as “sounds like,” “we hear,” or “audibly.” For example, the clue “heard the duck was a thief” could lead you to the answer “mallard,” which sounds like “maul lard.”
Double Definitions
A double definition is a clue that provides two separate definitions for the same word. In a cryptic clue, the double definition is often indicated by a word or phrase that suggests two different interpretations, such as “second meaning,” “alternative definition,” or “also known as.” For example, the clue “a green fruit or a baby” could lead you to the answer “pear,” which is both a type of fruit and a homophone for “pair.”
Conclusion
Informal crossword clues can be tricky, but with a little practice and knowledge, you can become a cryptic clue-solving pro. Remember to look for anagrams, homophones, and double definitions, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be cracking the code of even the most obscure informal crossword clues in no time.
