That Buzzworthy Crossword Feeling: Decoding ‘Exciting, Slangily’
Another day, another crossword puzzle beckoning. We’ve all been there, staring at a grid, the tantalizing promise of completion hanging in the air. Sometimes, the clues are straightforward, a simple question with an equally simple answer. Other times, they’re linguistic riddles, requiring a dive into the depths of wordplay and lateral thinking. Today’s clue, “Exciting, slangily,” falls firmly into the latter category.
This type of clue, hinting at informal language, demands a particular approach. You can’t just pull out your dictionary and look up synonyms for “exciting.” You need to think about the casual, everyday terms used to describe something that generates a thrill, a buzz, a jolt of adrenaline. Consider the context in which you might hear someone use the answer to this crossword clue in real life. Picture a group of friends discussing a new movie, a sporting event, or even a particularly juicy piece of gossip. What words might they use to express their excitement?
The ‘slangily’ indicator is your key. It signals that the answer is likely a word or phrase that wouldn’t necessarily appear in formal writing or speech. It might be a relatively new term, a regionalism, or even a word that has taken on a new, more informal meaning over time. The best place to start is to consider the length of the answer. Is it a short, snappy word, or a longer, more descriptive phrase? This can help you narrow down your options considerably.
Think also about the overall tone of the clue. “Exciting” itself is a fairly neutral word, but the addition of “slangily” injects a certain playfulness. The answer is likely something energetic and attention-grabbing, reflecting the feeling of excitement it describes. It should be something that feels current and fresh, rather than dated or stuffy.
Don’t be afraid to brainstorm a wide range of possibilities. Jot down any words or phrases that come to mind, even if they seem initially unlikely. Then, consider whether each option fits the overall tone and length of the clue. Think of synonyms of
exciting
, then consider the colloquial forms of those synonyms. For instance, exciting can be thrilling, or electrifying. Think of slang versions of those.
Crossword puzzles often rely on common slang terms, but they can also incorporate more niche or even internet-specific lingo. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different corners of the linguistic landscape. A quick search for current slang dictionaries or online forums dedicated to informal language can sometimes provide the spark you need to crack the code. Remember to consider the decade that the puzzle was made in. If you are doing an older puzzle, slang terms may be outdated or even have completely different meanings today!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember to check the crossing letters! The intersecting words in the crossword puzzle are your best allies in this quest. Even if you’re unsure about the answer to “Exciting, slangily,” the letters that cross it can provide valuable clues and help you confirm your suspicions. They are the guiding stars in the challenging world of the crossword puzzle. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
LIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – I Couldn%27t Possibly! By Joe Rodini