zounds crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "zounds crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "zounds crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ODS: A shortened, archaic exclamation, directly derived from "God's wounds," which is the origin of "zounds."
4 Letters
GOSH: A common mild exclamation of surprise or wonder, often used as a euphemism for "God."
LORD: Short for "Good Lord!" or "My Lord!", an exclamation of surprise or dismay.
5 Letters
EGADS: An archaic exclamation of surprise or annoyance, often found in older literature and crosswords.
8 Letters
GADZOOKS: An archaic minced oath, similar to "zounds" and "egads," used to express surprise or emphasis.
More About "zounds crossword clue"
"Zounds" is a fascinating word often encountered in crosswords due to its archaic nature and distinctive sound. It's a minced oath, meaning a euphemistic distortion of a profanity, specifically a corruption of "God's wounds." Such exclamations were common from the Middle Ages through the early modern period as a way to express strong emotion without directly invoking divine names in vain, which was considered blasphemous.
While "zounds" itself is rarely used in contemporary speech, its appearance in crosswords tests your knowledge of historical language and common literary exclamations. Clues like "zounds" often serve as a bridge to other similar interjections from a bygone era, requiring solvers to think beyond modern vernacular and delve into a rich history of expressive language.
Understanding the etymology of such words can often be the key to unlocking their crossword answers. Knowing that "zounds" is related to "ods" or other minced oaths can guide you to the correct solution based on the letter count provided.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Archaic Language: Many crossword clues, especially for shorter answers or exclamations, delve into older English. Familiarize yourself with common archaic words and phrases.
- Consider Minced Oaths: Clues for "zounds" often point to other minced oaths or euphemistic exclamations like "egads," "gosh," "my word," or "gadzoinks."
- Check Word Length: Always refer to the number of letters required. This is your primary guide, narrowing down potential answers significantly.
- Look for Synonyms/Similar Meanings: Even if the word is archaic, its meaning (e.g., surprise, annoyance) will often point to modern equivalents or related historical terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'zounds' mean in a crossword context?
'Zounds' is an archaic exclamation, a minced oath derived from 'God's wounds'. In crosswords, it typically points to other old-fashioned or mild exclamations of surprise, shock, or annoyance.
Are there common alternative answers for 'zounds'?
Yes, common alternatives include 'EGADS', 'ODS' (a direct reference to its origin), 'GOSH', 'MYWORD', or 'GADZOOKS'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required by the puzzle.
How can I identify archaic exclamation clues in crosswords?
Look for clues that sound old-fashioned, dramatic, or are singular words. Clues like 'Pshaw!', 'Hark!', 'Alas!', or 'Lo!' often point to similar archaic interjections. Familiarity with common literary or historical exclamations helps greatly.