unusual preference wsj crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

12

0

Share

The Wall Street Journal crossword, known for its challenging clues and sophisticated wordplay, often throws in curveballs. One such curveball is the cryptic and sometimes ambiguous clue referencing "unusual preferences." Let's explore this further, drawing inspiration from and expanding upon clues found on CrosswordFiend (while giving proper attribution). CrosswordFiend's database, a treasure trove for crossword enthusiasts, provides a valuable resource for understanding common clue patterns. Note that specific clue examples from CrosswordFiend are not directly quoted verbatim to maintain originality, but their spirit and structure are acknowledged and incorporated.

Understanding the "Unusual Preference" Clue Structure

The phrase "unusual preference" in a WSJ crossword clue often acts as a cryptic indicator. It doesn't directly refer to a person's quirky taste in food or clothing. Instead, it points towards a word or phrase that exhibits an unexpected or unconventional arrangement of letters, sounds, or meanings. Think of it as a meta-clue pointing to a structural oddity within the answer.

Examples and Analysis:

Let's illustrate with some hypothetical examples, inspired by the types of clues one might find on CrosswordFiend but crafted uniquely:

• Clue: Unusual preference for backwards hats (5)

This clue could lead to the answer "STYLE." The "unusual preference" indicates that the solution word involves a reversal or backward construction. "Style" is somewhat unusual or unexpected in its connection to "backwards hats," but the "backwards" aspect creates the needed link, mirroring the clue's unconventional preference hint.

• Clue: Unusual preference in a mirrored room (4)

This example could lead to the answer "ECHO." The "mirrored room" suggests a palindrome—a word or phrase that reads the same backward as forward. An "unusual preference" for palindromes fits this cryptic structure perfectly. "ECHO" itself is not inherently unusual, but its palindromic nature makes it the perfect answer based on the "unusual preference" indicator.

• Clue: Chef's unusual preference: a misplaced ingredient (7)**

This could lead to the answer "ANAGRAM." The "misplaced ingredient" subtly hints at the concept of anagrams, which are words or phrases formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase. "Unusual preference" reinforces the idea of unexpected arrangement. This is a more advanced clue requiring a deeper understanding of cryptic crossword conventions.

Adding Depth: Beyond the Simple Reversal

"Unusual preference" clues are often more complex than a simple letter reversal. They can indicate:

• Hidden words: The answer might be hidden within the clue itself, perhaps a word that appears unexpected given the rest of the clue.
• Anagrams: As shown above, the letters of the answer could be a rearrangement of letters within the clue.
• Compound words: The answer could be an unusual combination of two words, highlighting an unexpected juxtaposition.

Strategies for Solving:

When encountering a "unusual preference" clue, try these strategies:

1. Identify the indicator: Pinpoint the words hinting at the unconventional aspect (e.g., "backwards," "reversed," "misplaced").
2. Look for wordplay: Consider anagrams, hidden words, or other word games.
3. Consider the answer length: The number of letters provided gives you a significant constraint.
4. Think laterally: Step away from a literal interpretation and focus on the implicit meaning.

By understanding the nuances of "unusual preference" clues, you'll be better equipped to tackle the most challenging puzzles from the Wall Street Journal and beyond. Remember, the key is to unravel the hidden structure and unexpected relationship suggested by the clue itself. The clues, while appearing complex, often exhibit elegant simplicity once the underlying logic is understood. Further exploration of CrosswordFiend's extensive database will help build your intuition for these types of cryptic clues.