Cracking the Code: A Deep Dive into the Crossword Clue “— BEEN SWELL!”
Hey crossword fanatics! Today’s post tackles a particularly charming, and slightly cryptic, crossword clue: “— BEEN SWELL!”. This one’s got a certain je ne sais quoi, doesn’t it? That delightful air of retro slang hinting at a phrase that’s both familiar and subtly elusive.
Let’s break it down. The dash at the beginning immediately tells us we’re looking for a word or short phrase that precedes “been swell!” to create a complete and grammatically correct sentence. This immediately narrows down the possibilities, but it’s the inherent ambiguity of “swell” that adds a layer of delightful complexity.
“Swell,” in this context, isn’t describing something that’s inflated or enlarged. Instead, it acts as a slang term, carrying a weight of positivity and approvability. Think back to the mid-20th century – think jazz clubs, pin-up girls, and a certain breezy nonchalance. That’s the vibe we’re chasing.
So, how do we approach this? We need to consider the era implied by the slang. The phrase suggests a certain time period; pinpointing that is key. Is it formal or informal? The exclamation mark adds a touch of playful exuberance. The best approach is to consider common phrases expressing farewells or concluding remarks, particularly those that fit the suggested period’s conversational style.
Consider the common structures used in farewells: “It’s been…”, “That’s been…”, “Everything’s been…”, or even less formal options. Test these possibilities against the overall tone and style of “swell!” See how each prefix modifies the feel of the entire phrase. Does it evoke the right level of casual optimism?
Remember, crossword clues are often designed to be clever and slightly misleading. Don’t let the apparent simplicity fool you. It’s the subtle nuances of language that will unlock this one. Take your time, brainstorm different possibilities, and remember that the right answer will feel perfectly fitting, creating a phrase that resonates with the intended mood.
So, grab your pencils (or your digital stylus!), put on some swing music, and let’s crack this clue together! I’m eager to hear your thoughts and guesses in the comments below. Good luck, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
ITS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Thomas Joseph – King Feature Syndicate Crossword – Jan 4 2025