pained cry crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "pained cry" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "pained cry crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
OW: A common short exclamation of sudden pain or discomfort.
3 Letters
OOF: An exclamation often used to express a sudden impact or feeling of discomfort, sometimes synonymous with 'ouch.'
AIE: Derived from the French word for 'ouch' or 'oh dear,' commonly used in crosswords as a short pained cry.
UGH: An interjection expressing disgust, annoyance, or physical discomfort, often from something unpleasant or painful.
4 Letters
ARGH: A guttural cry often used to express frustration, anger, or a sudden, sharp pain.
MOAN: A low, prolonged sound expressing pain, suffering, or sometimes sexual pleasure.
WAIL: A prolonged, high-pitched cry, typically of pain, grief, or anger, often indicating intense suffering.
5 Letters
GROAN: A deep, mournful sound, often made to express pain, disapproval, or despair, suggesting a more sustained discomfort.
More About "pained cry crossword clue"
The clue "pained cry" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often looking for short, evocative interjections that convey immediate discomfort or agony. These can range from a quick reaction to a stubbed toe to a more prolonged expression of suffering. The beauty of these clues lies in their simplicity yet potential for multiple answers depending on the puzzle's specific context and the intended length.
When encountering this clue, solvers should consider not just the English language but sometimes also common foreign exclamations that have entered crossword lexicon, such as "AIE." The specific nuance of the pain – sudden vs. prolonged, physical vs. emotional – can sometimes help narrow down the possibilities. Is it a sharp, sudden "OW," or a more drawn-out "GROAN"?
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: "Pained cry" often yields short answers (2-5 letters). If you have a two-letter slot, "OW" is almost always the answer. For longer slots, think about more descriptive sounds like "MOAN" or "GROAN."
- Think of Common Interjections: Beyond the obvious, consider other common sounds or words people utter when hurt or frustrated. Crosswords love these simple, everyday expressions.
- Context is King: Pay attention to any additional words in the clue. "Pained cry from a bear" would suggest something like "GROWL," while "Pained cry in French" points to "AIE."
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from crossing words, use them to quickly eliminate possibilities and zero in on the correct answer for "pained cry."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many short answers for 'pained cry'?
Many common exclamations of pain, such as 'OW,' 'OOF,' and 'UGH,' are short, making them frequent crossword answers for clues like 'pained cry.'
Does 'pained cry' ever refer to an animal sound?
While 'pained cry' typically refers to human expressions of discomfort, some crosswords might stretch the meaning or provide context (e.g., 'dog's pained cry') to imply an animal sound like a 'WHINE' or 'YELP.' Always check the specific clue for hints.
How can I distinguish between similar 'cry' clues, like 'cry of joy' versus 'pained cry'?
The key is the adjective! 'Pained cry' points to expressions of discomfort or agony. 'Cry of joy' would lead to answers like 'HOORAY' or 'YIPPEE.' Always focus on the emotional context provided by the clue's descriptive words.