Ever stared blankly at a particularly clever crossword clue, the kind that makes you pause, chuckle, and then dig a little deeper into your mental archives? This week, a truly brilliant crossword clue had me thinking about the power of iconic imagery, specifically when it comes to personal style. The challenge? Linking two titans of pop culture whose common thread, surprisingly, isn’t music or painting, but something far more visually striking: their unforgettable hairstyles.
When you encounter a crossword clue that prompts you to consider the locks of Diana Ross and Bob Ross in the same breath, you know you’re in for a treat. It’s the kind of lateral thinking a great crossword clue demands, forcing you to look beyond the obvious career paths and find that singular, unifying characteristic.
Let’s talk about the queen herself, Diana Ross. Her hair is, without a doubt, a character in its own right. From her early days with The Supremes to her reign as a solo superstar, Diana Ross’s hairstyles have been synonymous with glamour, confidence, and sheer, unadulterated volume. Whether it was a perfectly coiffed bob in the sixties, a dramatic, wind-swept Afro in the seventies, or a cascade of bouncy curls in the eighties and beyond, her hair always made a statement. It was often big, bold, and unapologetically fabulous, perfectly complementing her powerhouse vocals and dazzling stage presence. Her hair wasn’t just styled; it was
performed
. It moved with her, adding an extra layer of dynamism to every shimmering gown and soulful note. For generations, her flowing tresses have defined an era of disco and diva, a veritable crown of curls that became as iconic as her voice. The sheer magnificent scale of her coiffure is instantly recognizable, making her an enduring style icon.
Then, we turn our attention to the calm, comforting world of Bob Ross. The soft-spoken artist, famed for his “happy little trees” and soothing demeanor, presented a completely different, yet equally memorable, follicular statement. His signature look was an unmistakable, voluminous, permanently permed Afro, often in a warm reddish-brown hue. Bob Ross’s hair was as much a part of his gentle persona as his encouraging words and tranquil landscape paintings. It framed his perpetually smiling, reassuring face, exuding an air of approachability and genuine warmth. Unlike the high-octane glamour of Diana Ross, Bob’s hair felt organic, unpretentious, almost like a cozy, artistic halo. It conveyed a sense of unruffled calm, a unique visual anchor to his soothing television presence. His distinctive look became a symbol of creativity, patience, and the joy of painting. You simply cannot picture Bob Ross without that iconic, cloud-like perm.
What a truly ingenious crossword clue to weave these two disparate cultural figures together! At first glance, Diana Ross and Bob Ross seem to inhabit entirely different universes. One, a glamorous music legend; the other, a beloved, calming art instructor. Yet, the brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in highlighting their shared, albeit distinct, commitment to the power of a singularly striking hairstyle. Both possessed hair that wasn’t merely styled but became an indelible, instantly recognizable part of their public identity. Both were characterized by an incredible, often gravity-defying, volume that made them identifiable in a mere silhouette. The sheer
presence
of their hair is the thread that connects them, making this crossword clue so intriguing and delightful to unravel.
Unpacking this kind of challenging crossword clue is what makes the hobby so incredibly rewarding. It forces you to think laterally, to appreciate the unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated subjects, and to marvel at the cleverness of puzzle constructors. These two iconic figures, with their equally iconic hair, continue to captivate and inspire, proving that sometimes, the most brilliant insights – and the best crossword clue solutions – are found in the most unexpected and visually striking places. What an absolute joy this particular crossword clue was to contemplate!
Available Answers:
AFRO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Chandi Deitmer / Ed. Patti Varol