Cruciverbalist
I’ve been meaning to do this one for a while. Cruciverbalist is a word constructed from two Latin words, crucis (cross) and verbum (word). In case that wasn’t a big enough clue, it refers to one who compiles or likes to solve crosswords. It’s not to be confused with an enigmatologist – one who studies all puzzles including maths, codes and ciphers.
Crossword compilers tend to be quite a secretive bunch who hide behind pseudonyms – presumably to protect themselves from the embittered public who may have been tearing out their hair trying to finish a puzzle. Some of the more famous include Rufus, Arucaria, Shed, Crispa and Quixote. These are the ‘elite’ amongst compilers, setting fiendishly difficult crosswords for The UK Times, Telegraph and Guardian newspapers.
There has been a rumour that the Times crosswords are often set by inmates serving life in British prisons. I can see why this urban myth may have been given some credence but have yet to find any evidence to substantiate it. Of those who have ‘gone public’ the most famous setter (now dead, sadly) was Bert Danher – cousin of one Paul McCartney. It’s said that Sir Paul would go around boasting about his famous cousin!
The best way to illustrate just how tricky these crosswords can be would be to give a few examples of how you’d need to think in order to solve them, so here goes:
We’ll start with one of Bert Danher’s own. Cowardly balloonist (7,2,16) – the answer? Chicken in a basket. The beauty of this is that there is no direct relationship between the clue and the answer – except for the answer itself. Other clues rely on a little historical or literary knowledge. This is from the last Bank Holiday puzzle in The Times: I sacrifice myself? Maybe, but not right away (1,3,2,4,4). Answer: I may be some time. This refers to the last words of Captain Oates in Scott’s doomed expedition to the South Pole in 1912. Some are simply anagrams of other words in the clue. Without cruciverbalists, how would we know that presbyterians is an anagram of Britney Spears?
Everyone has a favourite clue. Some because they solved it and felt especially clever, others because it had them stumped. Mine? I’m glad you asked. It’s: O (4,6). The answer is love letter – I’ll leave you to figure out why.
Not seen the ‘love letter’ one before. Very good. We’d have got it, though, eh Tom?
Here are two faves of mine.
HIJKLMNO (5)
and
Leo, Tig, Pum (4,5)
Sorry, last one is 4,4 not 4,5
The first one I know. Good stuff, and I won’t spoil it in case anybody else fancies a crack at it. The second one? Hmmmm… *dons thinking cap*
It’s a right belter once you get it. Dead clever.
To be fair to my other reader, I have the answer – I emailed Tip and checked. Feels good now!
Well, I’m stumped. Mind you, I’ve never been much of a wordsmith, sorry, cruciverbalist. I was always ecstatic if I got a 6 letter word in countdown, and almost never got the conundrum. I did better on the numbers.
Amazing what you can find out thanks to the internet, but I didn’t need it for the “Love letter”. I knew it has to do with l’oeuf… et une mauvaise raquette. As for Britney Spears, you were kind enough to introduce us to “I, the rearrangement servant”, which is a useful tool.
Lynx – The first word of Tip’s clue gives you a hint at the answer. Think about the words, and what they do or don’t have…I never got the conundrum in Countdown. There was always some smug git buzzing in on 3 seconds. It hurts more that they were often 12 years old.
Minky – “mauvaise raquette”? First time I’ve heard that
You’re right, of course – but you’d be surprised how many English speakers don’t get it – or maybe you wouldn’t! The anagram server is fun, but my favourite anagram ever is of Nessiteras rhombopteryx the name given to the Loch Ness monster by the celebrated British naturalist, Sir Peter Scott. The anagram of the name is “monster hoax by sir peter s”.
I used that term because I didn’t want to “spoil it in case anybody else fancies a crack at it”. I gave a hint, though…
I see what you did there, don’t worry. I never like to give too much away – it’s like a badge of honour for us crossword fans – Tip will testify to that!
Indeed.
‘THE’ badge of honour in my case.
They can stuff their chuffin’ knighthoods.
Nope, none the wiser! I guess it makes me the dullard of the class, but it’s about as clear as mud to me.
Lynx – they’re all names of something, and there’s something they don’t have. These somethings that don’t have the other somethings are known throughout the UK (or at least a little bit of it). Clear? Don’t worry, I’ll tell you after this clue
OK, I’m off on hols in a bit and am feeling generous. The answer is ‘manx cats’ – Leopard, tiger, puma. All cats with their ‘tails’ missing! Crafty, eh?
Oh, I see. You’ve got to be bloody psychic then!
Far too clever for a simple computer geek like me.
I like the crosswords where the clue would have been: “Felines with no tails that live on the Isle of Man (4,5)”.
By the way, I didn’t get Tip’s other one either, but I can pester him about that later.
Have a good holiday.