buffalo crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "buffalo crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "buffalo crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
COW: As a verb, to intimidate or overawe, a less common but valid meaning for 'buffalo' in puzzles. It plays on the animal meaning but is used in a verbal sense.
5 Letters
BISON: A large, shaggy-haired wild ox native to North America, often referred to as a buffalo, especially the American bison. This is a common answer when 'buffalo' refers to the animal.
7 Letters
FLUSTER: To make someone agitated or confused, a direct synonym for the verb 'to buffalo' when it means to bewilder or disconcert someone.
More About "buffalo crossword clue"
The word "buffalo" is a fascinating and frequently used word in crosswords due to its multiple meanings and parts of speech. While most commonly known as the large North American animal (the American bison), it also refers to a major city in New York State. What often trips up solvers, however, is its lesser-known use as a verb.
As a verb, "to buffalo" means to confuse, intimidate, or deceive someone. This adds a layer of complexity and cleverness to crossword clues, forcing solvers to think beyond the obvious. Understanding these different contexts—animal, place, and action—is crucial for deciphering clues involving this versatile word and improving your overall crossword solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like 'buffalo' with multiple definitions (noun, verb, proper noun), always consider all possibilities. If one meaning doesn't fit the letter count or surrounding letters, try another.
- Check for Wordplay: Crossword constructors love to use puns, homophones, and double meanings. For 'buffalo,' the verb form is a classic example of this kind of wordplay.
- Look at Adjacent Letters: Even with a challenging clue, sometimes the letters you already have in the grid can provide critical hints about the length and specific answer for 'buffalo' or any other word.
- Think About Context: Is there a theme to the puzzle? Are other clues referencing geography, animals, or actions? This can help narrow down the intended meaning of 'buffalo'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of 'buffalo' in crosswords?
The word 'buffalo' is notably versatile in crosswords. It can refer to the animal (like a bison or water buffalo), the city in New York, or, most interestingly, as a verb meaning to confuse, intimidate, or bewilder someone. Recognizing which meaning the clue intends is key to solving.
How can I tell if 'buffalo' is used as a verb in a crossword clue?
Clues using 'buffalo' as a verb often involve synonyms for bewildering, intimidating, or deceiving. Look for clues like 'Intimidate,' 'Confuse,' 'Overawe,' 'Bluff,' or 'Daunt.' The context and the number of letters usually narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Are city names common crossword answers?
Yes, city names, states, rivers, and other geographical locations are very common in crosswords. For 'buffalo,' if it's the city, the clue might reference Lake Erie, Niagara Falls, or sports teams like the Bills or Sabres.