“Total Madman” – A Crossword Conundrum
Ah, the joy (and occasional frustration) of a good crossword puzzle. Today’s clue has me scratching my head, and I’m sure it’s doing the same for many of you out there. The clue:
“Total madman“
.
It’s a classic, straightforward clue, but it’s also a bit of a head-scratcher. It’s not a word we use every day, and it could be a multitude of things.
Let’s break down the clue and see what we can glean.
Firstly, “total” implies a complete, unyielding madness. We’re not talking about a slight eccentricity here; we’re looking for someone truly off the rails.
Secondly, “madman” evokes a sense of derangement, possibly even dangerous. This is a word with a lot of historical baggage, which could lead us in various directions.
We’re looking for a word that encapsulates both of these ideas – complete insanity and a potential for harm.
Is it a specific type of person, a historical figure, or perhaps a term from a specific field?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And if you’ve cracked the code, be sure to share your solution – but no spoilers until everyone has had a chance to try!
Available Answers:
MANIAC.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 10 Sep 24, Tuesday