That Pesky ‘Very Silly’ Crossword Clue: A Closer Look
There are some crossword clues that feel like old friends. You see them, you know them, and you fill them in with a confident flourish of the pen (or a satisfying click of the mouse). Then there are the clues that stare back at you from the grid, deceptively simple, yet refusing to yield their secrets. Today, we’re looking at one such crossword clue that regularly stumps new and veteran solvers alike: ‘Very silly.’
At first glance, this seems straightforward. Your mind likely jumps to a dozen synonyms.
Absurd? Ludicrous? Goofy? Daft?
These are all excellent words that capture the spirit of the clue. But what happens when the letter count doesn’t match? What if the crossing entries demand a vowel where you’ve penciled in a consonant? This is the classic crossword puzzle dilemma, where the most obvious answer isn’t the right one.
When you’re stuck on this particular crossword clue, it’s helpful to lean into the intensifier: “very.” We are not just looking for a word that means silly; we’re searching for a term that elevates the concept. This isn’t the silliness of a harmless prank; it’s the silliness of an argument completely devoid of logic, a plan with no foundation in reality. It’s a word that implies a lack of intelligence or substance.
Crossword constructors are fond of this clue because it tests a specific tier of vocabulary. It’s a common word, but perhaps not one you use in daily conversation, which gives it that perfect “tip-of-the-tongue” quality. Solving a tricky crossword clue like this one often requires you to shift your thinking from direct synonyms to conceptual cousins.
Think about the feeling the word evokes. It’s often used with a shake of the head, a sigh of exasperation. It describes something so utterly nonsensical that it’s almost frustrating. Interestingly, the word’s origins often point back to Latin roots meaning “empty-headed” or “fatuous,” which is a perfect description of the idea it conveys. It’s a compact, potent adjective that punches above its weight.
So, as you look at those empty squares, let the meaning wash over you. Don’t just think “silly.” Think “empty,” “senseless,” “lacking in all reason.” Consider words that carry a slightly more formal, almost dismissive tone. The answer is a staple of the crossword world, and once it clicks into place in the grid, you’ll have another classic crossword clue solution ready for the next time it appears.
Available Answers:
APISH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Emet Ozar / Ed. Patti Varol