Court Figure, for Short: A Clue That Could Be a Royal Pain
This week’s crossword puzzle has us all scratching our heads over a particularly tricky clue: “Court figure, for short.”
Now, this clue might seem straightforward at first glance. We’re all familiar with the concept of “court figures” – those individuals who are part of the royal court, be they advisors, servants, or even family members. But the “for short” part throws a wrench into the works.
What does “for short” even mean in this context? Is it referring to a nickname, an abbreviation, or perhaps a title that’s been shortened?
The ambiguity of this clue is what makes it so frustrating. It could lead us down a rabbit hole of possibilities, each more tempting than the last. We might be tempted to think of “King” or “Queen” as potential answers, but the clue explicitly mentions “court figure,” not the monarch themselves.
Maybe we should consider “Duke” or “Duchess,” but are they truly “short” forms?
And what about more obscure titles like “Lord Chamberlain” or “Master of the Horse”? While these certainly fit the bill of “court figure,” they don’t immediately scream “short.”
This clue is a true test of our crossword solving skills, pushing us to think outside the box and consider all possible interpretations.
So, dear readers, let’s embark on this linguistic adventure together. Let’s dissect this seemingly simple clue and uncover its hidden meaning.
Grab your pencils and dictionaries, and let the hunt for the elusive “court figure” begin!
Available Answers:
STENOG.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 11 Jul 24, Thursday