badger crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on a crossword clue involving the word "badger," you've come to the right place. This page provides all the possible answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. Whether it's the animal or the action, we've got you covered!
Solutions for "badger crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAG: To annoy (someone) by persistently finding fault or urging them to do something.
5 Letters
TEASE: To make fun of or attempt to provoke in a playful or unkind way; to torment with persistent petty annoyances.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To irritate or bother (someone) in a minor way.
BROCK: An archaic or dialectal term for the badger (the animal).
6 Letters
HARASS: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation; to persistently torment.
PESTER: To trouble or annoy (someone) with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.
More About "badger crossword clue"
The word "badger" is a classic crossword conundrum due to its dual nature: it's both a burrowing mammal and a verb meaning to persistently annoy or harass. This duality is a common source of trickery for crossword constructors, who love to play on words with multiple meanings.
When you encounter "badger" in a clue, your first step should be to consider whether the clue refers to the animal or the action. Clues for the animal often involve descriptions of its habitat, appearance, or the species itself (e.g., 'Striped mammal' or 'Mustelid'). Clues for the verb typically imply a persistent negative action, like 'Pester relentlessly' or 'Annoy continually'.
Another layer of complexity comes from the use of synonyms and archaic terms. For instance, 'BROCK' is an old English term for a badger, which can catch solvers off guard if they are only thinking of modern synonyms. Similarly, the verb 'to badger' has many close synonyms such as ANNOY, HARASS, PESTER, NAG, or TEASE, each with subtle nuances in meaning that can fit different clue contexts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Always ask yourself if a word in a clue has more than one common meaning (e.g., noun vs. verb, literal vs. figurative). "Badger" is a prime example.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer in mind, verify its length. This is crucial for clues like "badger" where multiple synonyms exist with different letter counts.
- Look for Context: The rest of the clue often provides vital context. Words like "to," "by," or phrases describing an action usually point to a verb, while descriptive adjectives or nouns point to the animal.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm synonyms for the clue word, and sometimes even antonyms if the clue implies the opposite. This expands your pool of potential answers.
- Brush Up on Archaic Terms: Crosswords frequently use older or less common words. Learning a few common archaic terms, especially for animals or household items, can be very helpful.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'badger' have multiple answers in crosswords?
The word 'badger' can refer to the animal or, as a verb, mean to pester or annoy. Crossword constructors often exploit this dual meaning to create challenging clues, leading to various possible solutions depending on the context implied.
What's a common trick with 'badger' clues?
One common trick is using 'badger' when the answer is an archaic term for the animal, like BROCK, or when it refers to the verb meaning, such as ANNOY or HARASS. Always consider both the noun and verb forms when solving.
How do I determine if 'badger' is a verb or noun in a clue?
Look for contextual clues. If the clue implies action (e.g., 'To bother persistently'), it's likely a verb. If it refers to an animal or a specific type of creature (e.g., 'Burrowing mammal'), it's the noun. The number of letters can also guide you.