What does 'not wired say' mean in a crossword clue?

In a crossword, 'not wired say' often points to a form of communication that is verbal or acoustic, as opposed to electronic or via cables. Common answers include SPOKEN or ORAL, suggesting direct vocalization.

Why is 'NYT crossword' included in the clue?

The 'NYT crossword' tag indicates that the clue specifically appeared in a New York Times puzzle. While it doesn't change the clue's meaning, it helps puzzlers find solutions specific to that publication's style and common entries.

Are there other interpretations for 'not wired'?

'Not wired' can also refer to something being disconnected (like UNPLUGGED), wireless (like CORDLESS), or even emotionally calm and not agitated. The context of 'say' in this clue leans towards communication.

not wired say nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the most comprehensive answers and explanations for the challenging clue "not wired say nyt crossword" from the New York Times puzzles. Get your solutions quickly and understand the nuances behind the clue.

Solutions for "not wired say nyt crossword" by Letter Count

4 Letters

ORAL: Referring to something spoken or verbal, in contrast to being transmitted electronically or 'wired'.

6 Letters

SPOKEN: Directly communicated by voice, not requiring electrical or physical connections, fitting 'not wired' and 'say'.

9 Letters

UNPLUGGED: Literally meaning disconnected from an electrical source or 'not wired'. This can also refer to acoustic music, 'said' without amplification.

More About "not wired say nyt crossword"

The clue "not wired say" often appears in crosswords, particularly in the New York Times, as a clever way to hint at a form of communication or a state of being that is free from electronic or physical connections. The key to understanding this clue lies in interpreting "say" as an indication of verbal communication, setting it apart from data transfer via wires.

When you encounter "not wired," your mind might first go to concepts like "wireless" or "unplugged." However, the addition of "say" redirects the solver to consider spoken words. This type of wordplay is a hallmark of good crossword construction, rewarding solvers who can think laterally and consider multiple meanings of common phrases.

Answers like SPOKEN or ORAL perfectly capture this dual meaning, contrasting wired electronic communication with direct, vocal human interaction. UNPLUGGED, while more literal to "not wired," also connects to acoustic performances, reinforcing the 'say' aspect of being unamplified.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze Verb Tenses and Modifiers: Pay close attention to words like "say," "e.g.," "perhaps," or "possibly." These often indicate a synonym, a characteristic, or a less direct relationship to the main clue, helping you narrow down answers for clues like "not wired say."
Consider Homophones and Puns: Many NYT crossword clues use wordplay, including homophones (words that sound alike but have different meanings) or puns. For a clue like "not wired say," consider what other phrases sound similar or could be interpreted in a humorous or unexpected way.
Break Down Complex Clues: If a clue seems long or convoluted, try to break it into smaller, more manageable parts. "Not wired" hints at one thing, "say" hints at another. Combining these sub-clues can lead you to the correct answer more efficiently.
Contextualize the Publisher: The NYT crossword has a distinctive style. Familiarity with common NYT constructors, their preferred types of clues, and frequently used answers can significantly improve your solve rate.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'NYT crossword' imply in a clue?

When 'NYT crossword' is part of the clue, it primarily signifies that the clue originated from a New York Times puzzle. This can be helpful because the NYT has a specific style of cluing, often favoring wordplay, puns, and cultural references common in American English. Knowing it's an NYT clue can sometimes help you anticipate the expected difficulty and style of the answer.

How do I know which answer to choose if there are multiple options?

When multiple answers fit a clue, the correct one is determined by the length of the blank in your crossword grid. Match the number of letters in the answer you're considering to the number of blank squares. If multiple answers of the same length exist, use crossing letters from other solved clues to eliminate possibilities and find the definitive fit.

Are there clues similar to 'not wired say'?

Yes, many clues use similar linguistic tricks. Look out for clues that include words like "for short," "briefly," "perhaps," "so to speak," or specific examples. These often signal abbreviations, synonyms, or more nuanced interpretations beyond a direct definition. Always consider both the literal and figurative meanings of words in a clue.