Every seasoned solver knows the unique thrill, and occasional frustration, that comes with encountering a foreign language phrase in the daily grid. It’s a common occurrence, adding a layer of linguistic dexterity required beyond mere vocabulary and general knowledge. Today, let’s delve into a classic
crossword clue
that often makes an appearance, blending French language with a universal concept: “___ dejeuner (breakfast, in French).”
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how solvers must navigate both cultural context and grammatical nuance. The parenthetical “breakfast, in French” is undeniably helpful, anchoring the meaning, but the preceding blank demands precision. It’s not just about knowing what ‘dejeuner’ means; it’s about knowing the complete, idiomatic phrase.
The word “dejeuner” itself carries a fascinating history. Its roots lie in the Latin
disjejunare
, meaning “to break one’s fast.” This etymological thread directly links it to the very concept of breakfast – the first meal after a period of not eating. In contemporary French, “déjeuner” most commonly refers to lunch, while breakfast is typically “petit-déjeuner.” However, older or more formal contexts, and certainly many a
crossword clue
, retain “dejeuner” in its historical ‘breakfast’ sense, often paired with the specific determiner that completes the famous phrase. This historical linguistic shift is precisely the kind of subtle challenge that makes a seemingly simple
crossword clue
so rewarding to unravel.
When a
crossword clue
presents a foreign phrase with a blank, seasoned solvers immediately consider common articles, prepositions, or demonstratives. French, with its rich array of articles – definite, indefinite, partitive – offers a prime hunting ground. Is it a masculine singular, feminine singular, or perhaps a plural construction? The gender of “dejeuner” (masculine) is a key piece of information, guiding the choice of the missing word. This isn’t just about translating a word; it’s about understanding the grammatical glue that holds French phrases together. Analyzing such a
crossword clue
goes beyond simple recall; it becomes an exercise in linguistic deduction.
The inclusion of French phrases in a
crossword clue
is a staple for a reason. French, for centuries, held a prominent position in international diplomacy, culture, and cuisine, embedding many of its terms into the English lexicon and, by extension, into the lexicon of crosswords. From
joie de vivre
to
rendezvous
, these terms add a sophisticated flavor to the grid. The “___ dejeuner”
crossword clue
is in good company among these cultural mainstays.
For those tackling this type of
crossword clue
, the best strategy is often to first identify the core meaning (provided here as “breakfast”) and then to think about the most common, fundamental ways to express that concept in French. Is it “a breakfast,” “the breakfast,” or something more specific? The simplicity of the concept, combined with the specificity of the language, makes it a perennially engaging
crossword clue
.
The satisfaction of solving such a nuanced
crossword clue
lies not just in filling in the squares, but in appreciating the layers of history and grammar that underpin what might seem like a straightforward foreign phrase. It’s a testament to the elegant complexities hidden within the seemingly simple daily grid.
Available Answers:
PETIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Rifts By Daniel Hrynick