de plume crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "de plume", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track quickly.
Solutions for "de plume crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ALIAS: An assumed name, often used to conceal one's identity. While broader, it can fit for a shorter answer.
9 Letters
PSEUDONYM: A fictitious name, especially one used by an author. This is a very common synonym for a pen name.
10 Letters
NOM DE PLUME: A pen name; an assumed name used by a writer instead of their real name. This is the most direct and specific answer for the clue.
More About "de plume" and Pen Names
"De plume" is a French phrase literally meaning "of feather" or "of pen". In the context of crosswords and literature, it almost exclusively refers to "nom de plume," which translates to "pen name." A pen name is a pseudonym adopted by an author. Writers often use pen names for various reasons, such as privacy, to create a distinct persona for their writing, or to avoid gender bias. Famous examples include Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot) and Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain).
Understanding the nuances of such clues, particularly those with foreign origins or literary references, is key to mastering crosswords. The clue "de plume" specifically points to the concept of an author's assumed identity, making "NOM DE PLUME," "PSEUDONYM," and "ALIAS" the most probable solutions depending on the puzzle's required length.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the number of boxes available in the grid. This is crucial for narrowing down possible answers, especially for clues with multiple synonyms like "de plume."
- Consider Foreign Phrases: Be aware that crosswords frequently feature foreign phrases or direct translations. Clues like "de plume" are a strong indicator to think about common foreign expressions.
- Think Synonyms and Related Concepts: Even if a direct phrase doesn't fit, think of synonyms or closely related concepts. For "de plume," think broadly about "assumed name" or "fake identity."
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes other intersecting words can provide hints about the theme or specific type of answer required. If you're stuck on "de plume," check what letters are already filled in from crossing words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'de plume' mean in a crossword clue?
'De plume' is a French phrase meaning 'of feather' or 'of pen', commonly used in the term 'nom de plume', which translates to 'pen name' or 'pseudonym'. In crosswords, it almost always points to an assumed name used by a writer.
Why is 'NOM DE PLUME' a common answer for this clue?
'NOM DE PLUME' directly translates to 'pen name' and is the full, specific term that 'de plume' hints at. It's the most precise and frequently encountered answer in puzzles when this French phrase appears.
Can 'PSEUDONYM' or 'ALIAS' also be answers for 'de plume'?
Yes, 'PSEUDONYM' (a fictitious name) and 'ALIAS' (an assumed name) are both valid synonyms for 'nom de plume' and can be correct answers depending on the required letter count in the crossword puzzle. They are broader terms but fit the general meaning of an assumed identity.