Alright, fellow word wranglers and grid gladiators, ever stare at a
crossword clue
that just…
feels
right, but the word refuses to materialize? That specific
aha!
moment hovering just out of reach? We’ve all been there, and today’s puzzle certainly served up a prime example with “Said “speaking of which,” say.”
This isn’t just any old
crossword clue
; it’s one of those delightful little brain-ticklers that relies on understanding not just what a word means, but how it
functions
in a sentence, how it
sounds
when spoken, and the subtle nuances of conversational English. It’s not asking for a synonym for “said” in a straightforward way, nor is it looking for a literal description of the phrase “speaking of which.” Oh no, this
crossword puzzle
setter is far too clever for that.
When I first encountered this particular
challenging crossword clue
, my mind immediately began to process the implications of the phrase itself. “Speaking of which” is a conversational bridge, a verbal pivot. It connects an ongoing thought to a new, related one. It’s often used to seize an opportunity to bring up something that just came to mind because of the current discussion. It’s an interjection, yes, but one with a very specific, almost formal, function within informal speech.
So, the clue asks for a word that means “said” in the context of
uttering
this specific transitional phrase. It’s about the
action
of introducing “speaking of which.” Are we looking for a verb that means to
insert
a comment? To
interject
? To
bring up
? To
mention
? These were all the initial avenues my crossword-solving brain explored. The beauty of this kind of
crossword clue
lies in its layered meaning. It’s not just “what’s a synonym for X?” It’s “what verb describes the
act
of saying X, where X itself is a specific conversational device?”
The key here is dissecting the “say” part of the clue. It’s not asking for the phrase itself, but what one
does
when they utter it. Imagine being mid-conversation, and something reminds you of a different, but related, topic. You
perform
an action to transition. What is that action? It’s not just speaking; it’s a specific
kind
of speaking. It’s about how you
present
that “speaking of which.”
This is where the subtle art of the
daily crossword
really shines. It forces you to think beyond the obvious, to delve into the pragmatics of language. What
kind
of verb fits the bill for introducing a tangential thought? Is it something abrupt? Something smooth? Something that indicates a connection to what came before?
For those of you grappling with this specific
crossword clue
, consider verbs that imply a shift, an initiation, or a specific kind of verbal intervention. Think about the
intent
behind saying “speaking of which.” It’s rarely random; it’s usually intentional, a conscious effort to steer the conversation, even slightly, or to seize a moment to add a piece of information that just became relevant. It’s an opportunity. What verb describes
taking
that opportunity to say something?
It’s precisely clues like “Said “speaking of which,” say” that elevate the simple act of solving a
crossword puzzle
into a delightful linguistic workout. They remind us that words are not just labels; they are tools, and how we
use
those tools is as important as their definition. This isn’t about rote memorization; it’s about understanding context, idiom, and the flow of human communication.
So, if you’re stuck on this particular entry in your
crossword puzzle
, take a moment. Picture someone saying “speaking of which” in real life. What are they
doing
with their words? What verb encapsulates that action? The answer, once it clicks, feels perfectly natural, even inevitable. It’s the kind of word that makes you nod your head and think, “Ah, of course!” This
crossword clue
is a masterclass in subtle misdirection leading to a perfectly logical conclusion. Keep at it, and you’ll nail this
crossword challenge
!
Available Answers:
SEGUED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0701-25 NY Times Crossword 1 Jul 25, Tuesday