What type of film is 'Airplane!' considered?

'Airplane!' is widely considered a parody or spoof film. It satirizes the disaster film genre that was popular in the 1970s, featuring an ensemble cast and a plot focused on a troubled flight.

How do I identify a 'parody' in a crossword puzzle?

Clues for 'parody' or 'spoof' often involve examples of works known for their humorous imitation, such as specific films (like 'Airplane!'), TV shows, or books. Phrases like 'satirical work,' 'takeoff,' 'imitation,' or 'send-up' are common indicators.

Are 'parody' and 'spoof' interchangeable in crosswords?

Often, yes. In many crossword contexts, 'parody' and 'spoof' can refer to very similar concepts of humorous imitation or ridicule. The specific letter count required by the puzzle will usually dictate which word is the intended answer.

the film airplane e.g. nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "the film airplane e.g. nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. We've got the most likely answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.

Solutions for "the film airplane e.g. nyt crossword" by Letter Count

6 Letters

PARODY: The film 'Airplane!' is a quintessential example of a parody, a genre that humorously imitates and often ridicules other works, especially disaster films of its era.

5 Letters

SPOOF: Similar to a parody, 'Airplane!' is also a classic spoof, a comedic imitation of a film genre or specific films, often exaggerating their conventions for laughs.

More About "the film airplane e.g. nyt crossword"

The clue "the film airplane e.g." points to a specific genre of film: the parody or spoof. 'Airplane!' (1980) is a landmark example, renowned for its rapid-fire gags, absurdist humor, and a complete subversion of the serious disaster film tropes prevalent in the 1970s, such as 'Airport' or 'Zero Hour!'. This movie popularized a style of comedy that relies on non-sequiturs, visual gags, and literal interpretations of common idioms, influencing countless comedic films that followed.

Understanding that 'e.g.' stands for 'exempli gratia' (for example) is key here. It signals that you're looking for a category or type that 'Airplane!' falls under, rather than a direct synonym or related concept. The brilliance of 'Airplane!' lies in its ability to be both a hilarious standalone comedy and a sharp, incisive commentary on the conventions it parodies, making it a perfect crossword clue for its genre.

When you encounter clues like "film X e.g." or "book Y e.g.", always consider what genre, style, or characteristic the example is famous for. For 'Airplane!', its identity as a groundbreaking parody is undeniable, making PARODY or SPOOF the most fitting answers in a crossword context, depending on the letter count.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze "e.g." clues: Whenever you see "e.g." in a clue, it means "for example." You're likely looking for a category, type, or characteristic that the given item exemplifies, not a direct synonym or related item.
Consider classic examples: Crossword constructors often use well-known examples to clue broad categories. Films like 'Airplane!' are iconic for their genre, making them strong indicators for terms like PARODY or SPOOF.
Check letter count early: If multiple answers seem plausible (like PARODY and SPOOF for this clue), the number of letters provided in the grid is your ultimate guide. Always count the letters carefully!
Think broadly about categories: Beyond genre, "e.g." clues can point to historical periods (e.g., 'Renaissance' for 'Mona Lisa'), animals (e.g., 'Canine' for 'dog'), or even abstract concepts.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "e.g." mean in a crossword clue?

"E.g." is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," meaning "for example." In crossword clues, it indicates that the preceding word or phrase is an example of the answer you need to find. For instance, "film airplane e.g." means the answer is a type of film that 'Airplane!' is an example of.

How can I improve my crossword-solving speed?

Improving speed comes with practice and pattern recognition. Familiarize yourself with common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles), learn common abbreviations, and pay attention to clue types (e.g., definitions, puns, anagrams). Solving daily puzzles regularly helps build this intuition.

What is the difference between a parody and a satire?

While often overlapping, a parody primarily imitates and ridicules a specific work, style, or genre for comedic effect (like 'Airplane!' parodies disaster films). Satire, on the other hand, uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize prevailing folly or vice, often with a social or political purpose. A parody can be satirical, but not all satire is a direct parody of another work.