good grief crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! Here, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "good grief crossword clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "good grief crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
OHDEAR: A classic exclamation of mild surprise, regret, or dismay, perfectly capturing the sentiment of 'good grief'. Often used when something unfortunate or slightly irritating occurs.
4 Letters
ALAS: An old-fashioned but still common exclamation used to express sorrow, pity, or concern. It directly translates to the 'grief' aspect of the clue.
GOSH: A mild exclamation expressing surprise, wonder, or enthusiasm, often used as a euphemism for 'God'. It fits the 'good' and exclamation part of the clue.
3 Letters
WOE: Great sorrow, distress, or misfortune. Often used in exclamatory phrases like 'Woe is me!', making it a concise fit for the 'grief' part of the clue.
More About "good grief crossword clue"
'Good grief' is a well-known idiomatic exclamation that signifies surprise, dismay, or exasperation. It's a mild oath, often used in place of stronger expressions, making it a common phrase in everyday language and, consequently, in crossword puzzles. The clue often points to an answer that is itself an exclamation conveying a similar sentiment.
When encountering this clue, think about common interjections or expressions of mild shock or disappointment. Crossword setters love to use these because there are many short, common words that fit the bill, allowing for flexible puzzle construction. Paying attention to the number of letters and any crossing letters will quickly narrow down the possibilities to find the correct answer like OHDEAR, ALAS, or GOSH.
The phrase is also famously associated with Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comic strip, who frequently used it as his catchphrase. This association can sometimes be a direct hint in more pop-culture-oriented crosswords, guiding solvers towards an answer that fits the character's typical expressions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Euphemisms: For clues involving exclamations or mild oaths, think about euphemistic alternatives. 'Good grief' is itself a euphemism for 'good God', so answers like GOSH or GEESH might be applicable.
- Match the Tone: Does the exclamation convey mild surprise, strong dismay, or gentle disappointment? Match the tone of the clue to the potential answers. 'Alas' is more about sorrow, while 'Gosh' is more about surprise.
- Character Associations: If an exclamation is strongly linked to a fictional character (like Charlie Brown's 'Good grief!'), consider if the puzzle has a theme or other clues pointing to that character's universe.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the given letter count. Even if you think of a perfect answer, if it doesn't fit the length, it's not the right one for that specific slot.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the phrase 'good grief'?
The phrase 'good grief' is an American euphemism for 'good God', used as an exclamation of surprise, exasperation, or dismay. It became popular in the early 20th century as a less blasphemous alternative to similar exclamations.
How do crosswords typically clue exclamations like 'good grief'?
Crossword clues for exclamations often involve synonyms or situations that evoke the feeling. For 'good grief', you might see clues like 'Cry of dismay', 'Exasperated sigh', 'Charlie Brown's lament', or 'Mild exclamation of surprise'. They can also be clued by association with a character or context.
Are there other common crossword answers for expressions of surprise or dismay?
Yes, many! Besides 'OHDEAR', 'ALAS', 'GOSH', and 'WOE', other frequent answers include 'EGAD', 'HEAVENS', 'DRAT', 'PSHAW', 'OHME', 'DEARME', and 'CRUD'. The specific answer often depends on the number of letters and any crossing letters you already have.