Ah, the ever-satisfying challenge of a well-crafted crossword clue. Some clues immediately reveal themselves with a witty turn of phrase, while others demand a deeper dive into common knowledge, pop culture, or the delightfully obscure corners of our lexicon. Today, we’re dissecting a perfect example of the latter: the intriguing crossword clue, “One wearing a striped shirt, informally.”
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s one that perfectly encapsulates the blend of visual imagery and linguistic playfulness that makes crosswords so addictive. When you first encounter a crossword clue like this, the mind immediately conjures images of stripes. But where do you go from there? The magic, and indeed the potential frustration, lies in those two crucial words at the end: “informally.”
Let’s break down this captivating crossword clue. “One wearing a striped shirt” is our visual prompt. It’s specific, yet broad. Stripes are a common pattern, worn by countless individuals throughout history and fiction. From sailors to prisoners, from fashion icons to fictional characters, stripes abound. This means we’re looking for a very specific “one,” not just
anyone
in stripes. The visual aspect of this crossword clue is a strong pointer, but it needs further refinement. We need to think about famous or widely recognizable figures whose primary or iconic identifier is indeed a striped shirt.
Now, for the linchpin: “informally.” This single word is often the key to unlocking many a tricky crossword clue. It tells us we’re not looking for a formal title, a full name, or a generic description. Instead, we’re likely seeking a nickname, a shortened version of a name, a slang term, or most commonly in modern crosswords, a popular culture reference. The “informally” tag is a massive signpost leading us away from encyclopedic knowledge and towards the realms of common parlance, cartoons, comics, literature, or perhaps even a historical figure known by a catchy moniker.
Consider the interplay: the visual specificity narrows down the field of ‘striped wearers,’ while the informal tag points to
how
we refer to that particular individual. This kind of crossword clue demands a multi-layered thought process. You can’t just think “stripes” and stop. You must then filter those striped figures through the lens of informal recognition. Is there a character so synonymous with a striped shirt that their informal name immediately springs to mind?
Solving this kind of crossword clue often involves a bit of mental leapfrogging. You might start by picturing various striped shirts, then ponder which of those wearers are famous. From there, you’d ask yourself: how is this famous person or character referred to informally? This is where your knowledge of popular culture, common idioms, and even childhood memories can truly shine. Many a tricky crossword clue relies on this informal aspect to guide solvers to a well-known, albeit often unexpected, answer.
The beauty of a good crossword clue often lies in its misdirection or its ability to make you think laterally. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in combining a straightforward visual cue with a linguistic qualifier that turns the solving process into a delightful intellectual chase. Approaching any crossword clue with an open mind, ready to pivot from literal interpretations to more colloquial understandings, is a skill honed over many puzzles. And when you crack one as cleverly constructed as “One wearing a striped shirt, informally,” the satisfaction is truly unparalleled. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest descriptions hide the most delightful answers. Keep puzzling!
Available Answers:
REF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 1116-25 NY Times Crossword 16 Nov 25, Sunday