There are moments in every crossword solver’s journey when you hit a wall. It’s that one elusive answer, that seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
that, for reasons unknown, simply refuses to reveal itself. You’ve zipped through the rest of the grid, confident in your lexical prowess, only to be stumped by something that feels like it
should
be obvious. If you’ve found yourself staring intently at “Sunglasses, informally,” muttering variations of the word under your breath, then welcome to the club.
This particular type of
crossword clue
– the one asking for an “informal” term – is a master of disguise. It doesn’t want the technical term, nor does it want a synonym you’d find in a formal dictionary. Instead, it’s fishing for slang, a nickname, or a casual moniker that’s woven its way into everyday conversation. These are the clues that truly test our grasp of contemporary language and cultural shorthand, often leaving us feeling like we’re just
this
close to the answer.
So, how do we tackle a
crossword clue
like “Sunglasses, informally” when the typical pathways of synonym and definition are blocked? The trick is to think less like a dictionary and more like a casual conversation. What do people
really
call these things when they’re not being formal?
Consider the context. Sunglasses are ubiquitous. They’re worn by celebrities, beachgoers, drivers, and fashionistas. Has a particular term emerged from any of these specific subcultures? Sometimes, informal terms arise from a common abbreviation, a playful twist on the original word, or even a sound-alike. They might refer to a specific
style
that became so popular it informally represented the whole category, or perhaps a term that describes their
function
in a more casual way.
When you’re stuck on such a
crossword clue
, try these brainstorming techniques:
Think about sounds:
Are there common ways people shorten words, or create a new word based on a snippet of the original?
Consider cultural references:
Has a specific movie, song, or public figure popularized a casual term for sunglasses?
Imagine different demographics:
Do teenagers call them one thing, while adults use another? Is there a slang term specific to certain regions or groups?
Examine the “why”:
Why might someone use an informal term? Often, it’s for brevity, coolness, or just sheer casualness.
Check the crossing letters:
This is always paramount with any
crossword clue
. Even if the informal term isn’t immediately apparent, filling in those intersecting words will narrow down the possibilities significantly. Each confirmed letter acts as a crucial hint, transforming a daunting blank into a manageable puzzle.
Don’t be afraid to take a break. Sometimes, stepping away from a challenging
crossword clue
allows your subconscious to work on it, and the answer pops into your head when you least expect it. The beauty of these informal clues is that once you see the answer, it usually feels so obvious you wonder why you didn’t get it immediately. It’s that delightful “aha!” moment that makes solving crosswords so addictive.
So, for “Sunglasses, informally,” keep those thought processes going. Dive into the world of everyday speech, and remember that the solution is likely something you’ve heard, or even said, countless times without even realizing its potential as a
crossword clue
answer. You’ve got this!
Available Answers:
SHADES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Second Helping By Sala Wanetick