ARTICLE: A general term for a written work, which can sometimes be a 'puff piece' if it's overly complimentary.
puff piece nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and got stuck on "puff piece," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "puff piece nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BLURB: A short, promotional piece, often for a book or product, fitting the 'puff' description.
7 Letters
PROFILE: A flattering biographical article, often commissioned for publicity.
More About "puff piece nyt crossword clue"
A "puff piece" is a journalistic term for an article or story that presents a person, product, or organization in an uncritical and overly complimentary, often promotional, light. Such pieces typically avoid any negative aspects or criticisms, focusing solely on positive attributes. In the context of crosswords, clues like "puff piece" require solvers to think of synonyms or related terms that denote this type of biased, positive coverage.
These types of clues often appear in the New York Times crossword due to their clever wordplay and the need for a nuanced understanding of English idioms and journalistic jargon. Solvers must consider the double meaning of "puff" – as in to inflate or exaggerate – and "piece" – meaning an article or written work. Common answers can range from general terms like ARTICLE or WRITEUP to more specific ones like PROFILE or BLURB, depending on the number of letters and other intersecting words.
Identifying a "puff piece" in a crossword puzzle involves recognizing the clue's figurative meaning rather than a literal interpretation. It's a test of vocabulary depth and an awareness of how language is used to subtly convey a particular tone or intent.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Source: "NYT" in the clue often indicates a higher level of wordplay or a more sophisticated vocabulary. Think about common themes or journalistic terms frequently used by the New York Times.
- Think Figuratively: "Puff piece" is an idiom. When you see such phrases, consider their non-literal meaning. What does "puff" imply? Exaggeration, flattery, promotion. This will guide you to synonyms for articles that flatter.
- Check Cross-References: If you're stuck on "puff piece," try to solve intersecting clues first. Even one or two letters can provide crucial hints to narrow down the possible answers like ARTICLE, PROFILE, or BLURB.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If completely stumped, online crossword solvers can help. However, use them to learn and understand the answer and its explanation, rather than just copying it. This builds your vocabulary and pattern recognition for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'puff piece' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'puff piece' refers to an article or story that is excessively complimentary or promotional, often lacking critical analysis. The answer will be a word describing such a written work, like ARTICLE, PROFILE, or BLURB.
Why is the 'NYT' part of the clue important?
'NYT' stands for New York Times, indicating that the clue comes from the New York Times crossword puzzle. This context can sometimes suggest a particular style of clueing or a specific range of vocabulary common in that publication.
Are there common synonyms for 'puff piece' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, besides the direct answers, solvers might encounter related terms like 'WRITEUP' (especially if flattering), 'PROMO', 'ADVERTORIAL', or simply 'ESSAY' if the context implies a non-critical assessment.