A Puzzling Affirmation: Unpacking the ‘Hypercorrect “Yes, indeedy!”‘ Crossword Clue
There are some crossword clues that are simply definitions, a straightforward exchange of information to help you fill the grid. And then there are the ones that make you pause, tilt your head, and smile. The ones that aren’t just about knowing a word, but about understanding the beautiful, often comical, nuances of language itself. The crossword clue “Hypercorrect ‘Yes, indeedy!'” is a perfect example of the latter, a true gem for any puzzle enthusiast.
What makes this particular crossword clue so delightful is that it operates on multiple levels. To solve it, we can’t just look for a synonym. We have to become linguistic detectives, breaking the clue down into its two distinct, and wonderfully contradictory, parts.
First, let’s consider the phrase in quotes: “Yes, indeedy!” It’s a phrase brimming with personality. It’s folksy, cheerful, and unabashedly enthusiastic. You can almost hear it spoken with a friendly nod and a wide grin. It’s the kind of affirmation you’d get from a kindly neighbor or a character in a classic film. It is warm, informal, and utterly without pretense. It is, in a word, natural.
Now, let’s look at the crucial word that modifies it: “Hypercorrect.” This is where the puzzle truly comes alive. Hypercorrection is a fascinating linguistic phenomenon. It’s the mistake you make when you’re trying
too hard
to be correct. It’s the over-application of a grammatical rule, resulting in a phrase that sounds stilted, overly formal, and ultimately, incorrect in its own special way. Think of someone saying “between you and I” because “I” sounds more formal than “me,” even though “me” is the correct choice in that context.
So, the crossword clue is asking us to perform a fascinating bit of linguistic alchemy. We must take the warm, casual spirit of “Yes, indeedy!” and filter it through the awkward, stuffy lens of hypercorrection. The challenge for the solver is to find an expression of agreement that is so desperate to sound proper and educated that it circles all the way back around to being slightly absurd.
The answer isn’t just another way to say “yes.” It’s a specific
type
of “yes”—one that has put on a tuxedo that’s one size too small. It’s the kind of phrase that sheds all the easygoing charm of “indeedy” in favor of a rigid, almost comical, formality. When you encounter a crossword clue like this, you’re not just filling in squares; you’re engaging with the very fabric of how we speak, and how our attempts to sound a certain way can lead to wonderfully puzzling results. It’s a testament to the cleverness of the puzzle constructor and a rewarding challenge for any solver.
Available Answers:
ITISSO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By C.W. Stewart / Ed. Patti Varol