“Crossword Puzzle Cheese”: Drew Carey’s Iconic Label for a Common Crossword Clue Staple
Drew Carey once dubbed it “crossword puzzle cheese” on the iconic improv show
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
— and anyone who’s ever spent a Saturday morning with a hot coffee and a challenging crossword clue knows exactly what he meant, even if they didn’t have a name for it. The context on the show was simple: the cast members, faced with a scene requiring a prop, would often gravitate towards a particular item, a ubiquitous, readily available object that could fit almost any scenario. It was the improv equivalent of a default setting, a reliable go-to that, while effective, perhaps lacked a certain spark of originality.
This concept, so humorously coined by Carey, resonates deeply within the world of word puzzles. Just as improv players have their fallback props, crossword constructors and solvers alike recognize certain words, phrases, or proper nouns that pop up with remarkable frequency. They are the scaffolding of the grid, the bedrock upon which more elaborate or trickier crossword clue formulations are built. These aren’t necessarily easy clues, nor are they always obvious, but their answers have a familiar ring, almost like a secret handshake among puzzle enthusiasts.
What makes a word “crossword puzzle cheese” in the realm of grid-solving? Often, it’s a short, common word that fits well into multiple positions, or a slightly archaic term universally known from classic literature, mythology, or art. It might be a two-letter abbreviation, a common musical note, or a frequently referenced river or region. These elements are invaluable for constructors, providing the necessary fill to link together complex thematic entries or to smooth over awkward letter combinations. Every seasoned solver of a crossword clue quickly learns to recognize these patterns, often filling them in almost subconsciously.
For the solver, identifying “crossword puzzle cheese” can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, these familiar answers offer a welcome foothold into an otherwise daunting grid. They provide essential intersecting letters, unlocking longer, more challenging entries and giving the solver a satisfying boost of progress. There’s a certain comfort in seeing a common crossword clue and knowing, with near certainty, its solution. It’s a moment of relief, a little pat on the back from the puzzle itself.
On the other hand, the very ubiquity of “crossword puzzle cheese” can occasionally lead to a sense of predictability. Much like an improv audience might groan at the repeated use of a certain prop, a veteran solver might occasionally sigh at the tenth appearance of a particular three-letter word. Yet, their presence is not a flaw; it’s a fundamental part of the crossword’s architecture. They are the essential, if sometimes unglamorous, gears that keep the entire intricate machine running smoothly. Without these reliable components, the construction of a balanced and solvable crossword puzzle would be far more challenging, if not impossible.
Ultimately, Drew Carey’s insightful observation offers a fun and accurate lens through which to view not just improvisational comedy, but also the meticulous craft of crossword design. The “crossword puzzle cheese” in your daily grid is a testament to the shared lexicon we inhabit, a common language that binds constructors and solvers together. Understanding and appreciating these oft-repeated answers can even improve your overall crossword clue solving strategy, making you quicker to spot these familiar friends and navigate even the most formidable grids with greater ease and enjoyment.
Available Answers:
EDAM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0823-25 NY Times Crossword 23 Aug 25, Saturday