Unpacking the Trend of Blank Intellectualism in Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles have long been considered a beloved pastime for many. Whether it’s tackling the morning newspaper’s puzzle or downloading a crossword app, people enjoy the challenge of solving these word games. However, a new trend in crossword puzzles is emerging – the trend of blank intellectualism. In this article, we’ll delve into this trend, explore its origins, and ponder its implications.
What is Blank Intellectualism?
Blank intellectualism is the concept of using esoteric and obscure references or words in crossword puzzles. It’s a type of intellectual showing off – the puzzlemaker displaying their extensive knowledge of culture, history, and vocabulary. Puzzlers are no longer satisfied with the more straightforward and accessible clues. Instead, they crave puzzles that require challenging, sometimes bordering impossible, answers.
The Origins of Blank Intellectualism
Where did blank intellectualism originate? It’s a difficult question to answer. Puzzles have always been versatile, continually evolving over the years. The New York Times’ crossword puzzles, in particular, have been seen as the gold standard for years. Blank intellectualism’s emergence has been linked to the new series of The New York Times crossword puzzle makers hired in the early 2010s. Many of them were known to create puzzles with their unique obsessiveness.
The Dark Side of Blank Intellectualism
While blank intellectualism may seem like a harmless pastime, it can have negative effects on the crossword puzzle industry. It can, for example, set up unreasonable expectations for the average puzzler, pricing them out of the game. If someone requires an extensive education, knowledge of French phrases, obscure pop culture references, and other esoteric information to solve a puzzle, it can be disheartening, to say the least.
The Future of Crossword Puzzles
As puzzlers get more acquainted with blank intellectualism, the trend may continue to grow. However, it’s essential for puzzle makers to remember their audience and aim for inclusivity in their puzzles. Simultaneously, puzzlers must resist the urge to buy into the trend and hold puzzle-makers accountable for more accessible clues. Crossword puzzles were initially created to be challenging but still accessible to anyone willing to try.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blank intellectualism is a new trend in the crossword puzzle world that can have both positive and negative outcomes. While it’s essential to challenge ourselves, it’s equally crucial to retain the game’s accessibility for all puzzlers. Puzzlemakers must find a balance between creating challenging puzzles and ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of education or background. Let’s hope this trend doesn’t become too significant and maintain the welcome challenge that puzzles bring.
