that hurts crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're grappling with "that hurts crossword clue," you've landed on the perfect page. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "that hurts crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
OW: A common exclamation used to express sudden, sharp pain.
3 Letters
YOW: An interjection similar to 'ouch,' typically indicating a quick, intense burst of pain or surprise.
UGH: An expression of disgust, discomfort, or frustration, which can imply something is unpleasant or 'hurts' in a non-literal sense.
4 Letters
OUCH: A widely recognized verbal expression of immediate physical discomfort, a classic crossword staple for pain.
PAIN: A fundamental sensation of discomfort and suffering, often used literally in clues related to injury or affliction.
5 Letters
AGONY: Refers to extreme physical or mental suffering, indicating intense and prolonged pain or distress.
GROAN: A deep, inarticulate sound uttered in pain or despair, or as a sign of strong disapproval.
More About "that hurts crossword clue"
"That hurts" is a highly versatile phrase, making it a popular choice for crossword constructors looking for clues that can be interpreted in multiple ways. While most commonly associated with physical discomfort, it can also signify emotional pain, financial loss, or even a strategic setback. This ambiguity is what makes such clues both challenging and rewarding to solve. Recognizing the context within the broader puzzle is key to distinguishing between a literal cry of pain and a more figurative expression of distress.
Understanding the nuances of interjections versus descriptive nouns is crucial for these clues. Short answers like 'OW' or 'OUCH' are direct vocalizations of pain, while 'PAIN' or 'AGONY' refer to the state or sensation itself. Crossword setters often play on these subtle differences, requiring solvers to consider not just what the clue means, but also how the answer functions grammatically or semantically within the grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Length First: For exclamations like "that hurts," the length of the answer is often the most telling hint. Two or three letters almost certainly point to an interjection.
- Look for Synonyms of Suffering: If the clue is longer, think beyond simple exclamations and consider words that describe the state of pain or its effects, such as "agony," "ache," or "groan."
- Context is King: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes a surrounding clue or the puzzle's theme might hint at whether the pain is physical, emotional, or figurative (e.g., "Hit to the budget, maybe" could also lead to a "that hurts" answer).
- Think about Interjections: Many crosswords include common interjections. Memorizing a list of two, three, and four-letter interjections can be a huge time-saver when you encounter clues related to feelings or sudden reactions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common crossword answers for exclamations of pain?
Common answers for exclamations of pain in crosswords often include short, sharp interjections like OW, OUCH, YOW, or UGH. Longer answers might delve into the nature of the pain itself, such as AGONY or PAIN, or the sounds associated with it, like GROAN.
How do clue lengths help in solving 'that hurts' type clues?
Clue length is incredibly helpful for 'that hurts' type clues. Short lengths (2-3 letters) strongly suggest interjections like OW or YOW. Longer lengths open up possibilities for more descriptive words like OUCH, PAIN, or AGONY, helping you narrow down options significantly.
Are there different contexts for 'that hurts' in crosswords?
'That hurts' can refer to literal physical pain, but in crosswords, it can also subtly imply emotional pain, a negative financial impact ('that hurts the budget'), or even a disappointing outcome. Always consider the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme for context to pick the best fit.