“My word!”

Unveiling the Enigmatic “My Word!”: A Crossword Conundrum

Prepare yourself for a linguistic adventure as we delve into the enigmatic crossword clue, “My word!”. This seemingly innocuous phrase holds a treasure trove of possible meanings, each waiting to be deciphered. From exclamations of surprise to literary allusions, this clue demands a keen eye for detail and a wide vocabulary.

1. A Spontaneous Exclamation

The most straightforward interpretation of “My word!” is as an exclamation of surprise, dismay, or disbelief. Imagine a character in a Victorian novel uttering this phrase upon witnessing an extraordinary event. The clue might seek a synonym for such an exclamation, such as “Egad!” or “Goodness gracious me!”.

2. A Personal Pledge

“My word!” can also be used as a personal pledge or promise. This usage evokes a sense of honor and integrity, as the speaker’s word is considered their bond. The crossword clue might ask for a term that describes such a pledge, such as “parole” or “oath”.

3. A Literary Allusion

The phrase “My word!” frequently appears in literature, particularly in works from the 19th century. It serves as a verbal tic or catchphrase for certain characters, adding a touch of quaintness or idiosyncrasy to their dialogue. The clue might request the name of a literary character known for using this expression.

4. A Religious Invocation

In some contexts, “My word!” is used as an invocation to God or a higher power. It expresses a sense of reverence or awe, and the crossword clue might ask for a term that captures this religious connotation, such as “prayer” or “invocation”.

5. A Wordplay Twist

Crossword constructors love wordplay, and “My word!” is no exception. The clue might play on the fact that “my” is a possessive pronoun and “word” refers to a linguistic unit. A possible answer could be “mine”, which is both a possessive pronoun and a type of explosive.

Tips for Solving “My Word!”

Consider the context of the clue and the surrounding crossword entries.

Think about different parts of speech and word forms (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives).

Explore synonyms and antonyms of common words.

Be aware of potential wordplay or puns.

Don’t be afraid to consult a dictionary or thesaurus for inspiration.

Remember, the key to solving crossword clues lies in thinking creatively and exploring multiple possibilities. Embrace the challenge and let your linguistic prowess shine through!

Available Answers:

HEAVENS!.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 4 May 24, Saturday