what the puck is going on nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and got stumped by "what the puck is going on", you've come to the right place. We provide precise answers, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to get you back on track.
Solutions for "what the puck is going on nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHAOS: A state of utter confusion or disorder, fitting the exasperated tone of the clue.
6 Letters
MAYHEM: Violent disorder or chaos, often used to describe a scene of great confusion or destruction.
11 Letters
PANDEMONIUM: Wild and noisy disorder or confusion, a strong answer for an exclamation of disbelief.
More About "what the puck is going on nyt crossword clue"
This particular clue is a classic example of crossword constructors' clever wordplay. By swapping a common expletive with "puck," they not only create a pun related to ice hockey but also set a humorous, slightly frustrated tone. The expected answer will be a word signifying a state of extreme disorder or confusion, mirroring the sentiment of the original phrase.
The brilliance of this clue lies in its ability to mislead if you're not paying close attention to the subtle hint ("puck"). It's designed to make you momentarily think about hockey terms before realizing it's a play on words, demanding a more abstract answer related to the feeling of the phrase rather than its literal hockey connection.
When encountering such clues, experienced solvers immediately look for synonyms for "disorder," "confusion," or "uproar." The length of the answer then guides them to the most appropriate term, be it a short, punchy word like CHAOS or a longer, more descriptive one like PANDEMONIUM.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Wordplay: Many NYT clues, especially those with quirky phrasing, involve puns, double meanings, or hidden definitions. If a clue seems odd, try to think of it metaphorically or as a play on a common idiom. "What the puck" is a perfect example of this.
- Consider the Source: The NYT crossword often features contemporary slang, cultural references, and clever twists. Be open to answers that might be current or involve pop culture. This particular clue's phrasing is quite modern.
- Check Cross-References: If you're stuck on a tricky clue like this, try solving some of the intersecting answers first. Filling in a few letters can often reveal the structure or even the exact word for the difficult clue, especially when dealing with unusual phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'what the puck is going on' mean in a crossword?
This clue is a playful twist on the common exclamation 'what the f*** is going on?', replacing the expletive with 'puck' to create a humorous, hockey-themed version. It's looking for a word that describes a state of confusion, disorder, or unexpected events.
How do you identify a 'punny' or themed clue like this?
Look for words that seem out of place in a common phrase, or words that have a double meaning. In this case, 'puck' strongly hints at a hockey theme. Often, the answer will be a synonym for the original phrase's meaning, but it will be a bit more dramatic or chaotic to match the exclamation.
What are common pitfalls with clues that use wordplay?
The main pitfall is taking the clue too literally. Wordplay clues require you to think outside the box and consider alternative meanings or how words can be swapped. Always consider the tone and any subtle hints (like 'puck' for hockey) that might guide you to the intended pun or theme.