Deck the Halls with… Well, Not
This
Welcome back, crossword aficionados! Another day, another grid conquered… almost. Today, we’re tackling a clue that’s bound to evoke a mix of groans, giggles, and maybe even a shudder or two. We’re diving headfirst into the realm of festive faux pas, sartorial sabotage, and holiday horrors.
The clue in question?
“Ugly garment at many a holiday party.”
Now, before your mind conjures images of tinsel-laden turkeys or reindeer sporting sunglasses, let’s break down the anatomy of a solid crossword clue. This one is classic misdirection material. The key word here isn’t necessarily “ugly,” though it certainly plays a part. It’s the entire phrase, the context woven together.
“Garment” tells us we’re looking for an item of clothing, eliminating possibilities like decorative wreaths or ill-advised eggnog recipes. “At many a holiday party” significantly narrows the field. We’re not talking about everyday wear gone wrong; we’re talking about something specifically associated with the festive season and, more importantly, worn to social gatherings.
The descriptor “ugly” is where the real fun begins. Ugly is, of course, subjective. What one person deems a fashion disaster, another might find endearing, ironic, or even… dare we say… stylish? However, in the context of this clue, we’re likely dealing with an aesthetic that’s widely considered, let’s say,
challenging
.
Think about the elements often associated with holiday festivities: bright colors, gaudy embellishments, potentially clashing patterns. Combine these elements with a sometimes questionable sense of holiday cheer, and you’ve got a recipe for sartorial disaster… or, at least, a garment that might make even Santa blush.
To crack this clue, consider the types of clothing people typically wear to holiday parties. Are we talking formal wear gone wrong? Casual attire with a festive twist (or maybe a festive
twist
)? Think about the different levels of “ugly” – from mildly embarrassing to so-bad-it’s-good.
Think about the specific
type
of gathering. Is it an office party where someone thought it would be hilarious to wear something outrageously themed? Is it a family gathering where Great Aunt Mildred insists on crocheting everyone matching atrocities?
The length of the answer is, as always, a crucial piece of the puzzle. Count those boxes carefully! Does the number of letters align with your mental image of the garment in question?
Finally, consider common crossword puzzle themes and tropes. What kind of words are often used to describe items of clothing? What holiday-related terms frequently pop up in crosswords?
Remember, the beauty of a good crossword clue lies in its ability to lead you down a winding path before ultimately revealing the solution. This one is no exception. It’s a journey into the land of questionable taste, festive faux pas, and the enduring power of holiday cheer… even when it manifests itself in the form of truly hideous attire.
Happy solving, and may your holiday parties be filled with laughter… and hopefully, only mildly offensive outfits!
Available Answers:
SWEATER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Tennessee Grimes / Ed. Patti Varol