says who nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "says who nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "says who nyt crossword" by Letter Count
8 Letters
OHREALLY: This common, sometimes sarcastic, exclamation challenges an assertion or expresses disbelief, perfectly fitting the query "says who?". It's a frequent answer for such clues in the NYT.
6 Letters
WHOSEZ: A colloquial or informal variant of "who says," often used to challenge a statement's validity. This casual phrasing makes it a prime candidate for NYT crossword clues seeking an informal tone.
SEZWHO: Similar to WHOSEZ, this informal expression directly translates to "says who" and is a popular fill in crosswords when a challenger's voice is implied. Its phonetic spelling is a common crossword device.
More About "says who nyt crossword"
The clue "says who" in a New York Times crossword puzzle is a classic example of how clues can hint at informal speech, rhetorical questions, or expressions of skepticism. It doesn't ask for a name, but rather a reaction or a colloquial challenge to an assertion. These types of clues often require solvers to think beyond literal meanings and consider common idioms or slang.
Understanding the nuances of such clues is key to mastering the NYT puzzle. The answers like OHREALLY, WHOSEZ, or SEZWHO are not just random words; they are responses that fit the conversational context implied by "says who," signaling a disbelief or a demand for authority or evidence behind a statement. Recognizing these patterns can significantly speed up your solve time.
The NYT crosswords are celebrated for their clever wordplay, and clues like "says who" are a testament to that. They push solvers to consider phonetic spellings (like SEZ for 'says') and common everyday expressions that might not appear in formal writing but are ubiquitous in spoken English. This makes the puzzles engaging and, at times, delightfully tricky.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Colloquialisms: Clues like "says who" often point towards informal speech or slang. If a clue feels conversational, think about how people would respond in everyday dialogue.
- Look for Sound-Alikes: Crosswords frequently use phonetic spellings or words that sound like others. "SEZ" instead of "says" is a perfect example of this common trick.
- Analyze Punctuation and Tone: A question mark at the end of a clue or the general tone (e.g., sarcastic, informal) can give crucial hints about the nature of the answer. "Says who?" with a question mark clearly indicates a challenging or questioning response.
- Build a "Crosswordese" Vocabulary: Many words and phrases appear repeatedly in crosswords due to their letter patterns and commonality. The more you solve, the more you'll recognize these patterns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "says who" mean in a crossword clue?
In a crossword, "says who" typically prompts for a word or phrase that challenges an assertion, expresses disbelief, or questions the source of information. Common answers include "OHREALLY" or colloquialisms like "WHOSEZ."
Are New York Times crossword clues always literal?
No, NYT crossword clues are renowned for their cleverness, often employing wordplay, puns, slang, or requiring lateral thinking. "Says who" is a prime example of a clue that often demands a colloquial or idiomatic response rather than a literal one.
How can I improve my speed and accuracy for NYT crosswords?
Improving involves regular practice, familiarizing yourself with common "crosswordese" (words frequently used in puzzles), paying close attention to clue indicators (e.g., "informally," "briefly," "abbr."), and learning to recognize common answer patterns and themes.