Welcome back, fellow word wranglers! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
that’s been popping up and sparking conversations among solvers. It’s the kind of clue that, at first glance, seems to demand a straightforward answer, but then reveals layers of clever wordplay, making it a truly satisfying challenge for any
daily crossword
enthusiast. The
crossword clue
we’re dissecting today is:
“Spoke loudly and harshly of the hair feature, reportedly (6)“
Right off the bat, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill definition. This
crossword clue
immediately signals that we’re dealing with something more sophisticated – likely a cryptic-style hint hidden within what appears to be a descriptive phrase. The very presence of “reportedly” is our first major indicator, screaming “homophone!” This means the six-letter answer, which defines “spoke loudly and harshly,” will sound exactly like another word – in this case, a “hair feature.” This is where the true beauty of
solving crosswords
lies: connecting seemingly disparate concepts through phonetic trickery.
When faced with such a
challenging crossword clue
, my strategy always begins with a careful dissection. We know the answer is six letters long. We have a clear definition: “spoke loudly and harshly.” Think about verbs that convey this precise action – growling, shouting, roaring, barking, or even something more guttural. The key is “harshly,” which adds a specific edge to the sound we’re looking for. It’s not just loud; it’s an unpleasant, grating kind of vocalization. Identifying the exact nuance of the definition is often half the battle in cracking a tough
crossword puzzle
.
Next, we turn our attention to the “hair feature.” This is wonderfully vague, isn’t it? A hair feature could be anything from a lock, a mane, a beard, a tuft, or even a specific texture or state of hair. The challenge here is to brainstorm hair-related terms that, when pronounced, could sound like one of those harsh vocalizations we considered. This requires a broad vocabulary and a good ear for similar-sounding words, a skill honed through countless hours of
crossword help
and practice. The beauty of this
cryptic crossword clue
is how it forces your brain to make unusual connections.
The “reportedly” is the linchpin. It unequivocally tells us that the sound of the answer word itself is the key to unlocking the “hair feature” part of the clue. So, you’re looking for a word that
means
“spoke loudly and harshly” and
sounds like
a common “hair feature.” It’s a brilliant piece of wordplay that exemplifies why
crossword tips
often highlight the importance of recognizing these indicators. Don’t rush this step; sometimes, the most obvious-sounding word isn’t the one that fits perfectly.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and phonetic cleverness. It forces you to think beyond direct definitions and into the fascinating realm of homophones, where one word can wear two hats based purely on its pronunciation. It’s these kinds of clues that provide that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment, making all the head-scratching worthwhile. So, as you ponder this engaging word puzzle, consider the subtle nuances of sound and appearance. Think about how a powerful vocal action could perfectly mirror a description of something on your head. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
BRAYED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 20 July 2025