"...this writer still maintains that people love being fooled. It seems to be an emotional response of delight, not a chore. "In fact, successfully figuring out the answer to a clue that is not what it seems to be is what we puzzle solvers call the “Aha!” moment. It gives us a sense of victory, a shot of dopamine to the reward center of our brains and in the modern world where we are no longer hunter-gatherers, could deciphering a tough clue be but one way we have left to “bring down the bison,” so to speak? "Puzzle master Will Shortz feels that “part of the appeal of crosswords is having the brain twisted — for example, seeing a phrase in a different light.” Mr. Shortz, who has been the editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle since 1993, offered several examples of clues that he has written, such as “Cock and bull” which, on the surface, seems to be a phrase that means an untrue statement, but in this case, was the entry MALES. “Strap for cash” is not an admission of being broke, but is instead a strap that goes around ones’ waist, or a MONEY BELT. His favorite clue is “It can turn into a different story” for SPIRAL STAIRCASE. This writer’s own favorite is “It brings out the child in you” for LABOR."
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 21:31:04 +0000
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