old shrew crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "old shrew crossword", you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common and accurate solutions to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "old shrew crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
HAG: A derogatory term for an old, ugly, or unpleasant woman.
5 Letters
CRONE: An old woman who is thin, ugly, and withered; often used disparagingly.
More About "old shrew crossword"
The term "shrew" in a crossword clue often refers to a woman perceived as unpleasant, ill-tempered, or prone to nagging. When combined with "old," it specifically guides solvers towards archaic or derogatory terms for elderly women who embody these characteristics. The most common answers like HAG and CRONE reflect this historical and literary usage.
Understanding these subtle nuances of language is key to unlocking many crossword puzzles. Clues that describe personality traits, especially negative ones, frequently lead to highly specific and sometimes dated vocabulary. "Old shrew" is a classic example of a clue that tests your knowledge of such terms, drawing on a rich history of descriptive language for human archetypes.
Crossword constructors love clues like "old shrew" because they allow for concise answers that evoke a vivid image or character, fitting neatly into the grid. Recognizing this pattern can help you quickly fill in the blanks when similar character-descriptive clues appear in your future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Derogatory Terms: For clues describing people, especially with negative connotations, think of synonyms and historical or informal terms. Words like "shrew" are often used metaphorically.
- Check Letter Count: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the required letter count. If "HAG" (3 letters) doesn't fit, think of longer alternatives like "CRONE" (5 letters).
- Context is Key: Look at the surrounding clues or already filled-in letters. They can provide vital context or confirm an answer, even if your initial thought isn't a perfect match.
- Think Archaic and Literary: Crossword puzzles often lean on older language or literary references. Terms like "shrew," "crone," and "hag" have strong roots in folklore and classic literature.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'shrew' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'shrew' often refers to a derogatory term for an ill-tempered, nagging woman. When combined with 'old,' it points to words like HAG or CRONE.
Are there other words for an 'old shrew' that often appear in crosswords?
Beyond HAG and CRONE, other less common but possible answers might include HARPY or VIXEN, depending on the specific word length and surrounding letters in the puzzle.
How can I identify clues that point to negative terms for women?
Look for adjectives like 'old,' 'ill-tempered,' 'nagging,' 'ugly,' or 'unpleasant.' The context of the clue will often imply a negative or archaic term for a female character or person.