horsefeathers crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "horsefeathers" in your puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with brief explanations to help you understand why each word fits. Let's solve that puzzle together!
Solutions for "horsefeathers crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ROT: Short for 'rot', often used to mean nonsense or rubbish.
6 Letters
BUNKUM: A term for pretentious nonsense.
7 Letters
BALONEY: Another informal term for foolish or deceptive talk.
8 Letters
NONSENSE: The most direct synonym for horsefeathers, meaning absurd or meaningless words or ideas.
More About "horsefeathers crossword clue"
"Horsefeathers" is a colorful idiom, primarily American, used to express disbelief, dismiss something as nonsense, or exclaim in a mild oath. It's similar in meaning to "poppycock," "baloney," or "bunk." In crosswords, clues like "horsefeathers" often point to answers that convey triviality, absurdity, or a lack of substance.
The term likely gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century. Its whimsical nature makes it a favorite for crossword constructors, as it allows for a variety of playful and often short, punchy synonyms. When you encounter this clue, think about words that mean 'rubbish' or 'silly talk' and consider the required letter count carefully.
Understanding such idiomatic clues is key to mastering crosswords. They test not just your vocabulary, but also your grasp of colloquialisms and their more formal or common synonyms. Keep an eye out for similar expressions like "malarkey" or "codswallop" in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: "Horsefeathers" is informal. This often suggests an informal or colloquial answer, narrowing down possibilities from formal synonyms.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have one or two letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as strong hints to eliminate many incorrect answers quickly.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Words like NONSENSE, BALONEY, BUNK, ROT, and POPPYCOCK are frequently used for clues meaning 'triviality' or 'absurdity'. Familiarize yourself with these common crossword answers.
- Work from Easiest to Hardest: Don't get stuck on one clue. Solve the ones you know first, then use those letters to help you with more challenging clues like "horsefeathers."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'horsefeathers' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'horsefeathers' almost always refers to something trivial, absurd, or meaningless. It's an exclamation of disbelief or a dismissive comment, often clued by synonyms like 'nonsense,' 'baloney,' 'bunk,' or 'rot.'
How do I determine the correct length for 'horsefeathers' answers?
The length is determined by the number of empty squares in the crossword grid. 'Horsefeathers' can have many synonyms of varying lengths, so you'll need to match the provided letters in the grid and the clue context to find the right fit.
Are there common alternative spellings or phrases for 'horsefeathers'?
While 'horsefeathers' itself is standard, its synonyms often appear in crosswords. Common alternatives might be 'poppycock,' 'flummery,' 'folderol,' or simpler terms like 'rot' or 'bunk.' The key is to look for words that convey a sense of nonsense or triviality.