The New York Times crossword puzzle of a recent Monday sparked a lively debate among crossword enthusiasts, primarily due to its cheeky theme centered around a playful interpretation of “BOOBY TRAPS.” This puzzle, constructed by Andrea Carla Michaels and Loren Muse Smith, ingeniously incorporated bra types into common phrases, resulting in theme answers like PADDED CELL, MIRACLE WORKER, and PUSH UP DAISIES. The reveal, BOOBYTRAPS, tied it all together, but not without eliciting a spectrum of reactions from the online crossword community. This article delves into the blog commentary surrounding this puzzle, exploring the diverse opinions, humor, and occasional controversies that arise when a crossword theme ventures into slightly risqué territory.
The initial blog review, penned by Rex Parker, set the stage for the discussion. While acknowledging the puzzle’s ease and Monday-appropriateness, Parker expressed discomfort with the term “booby,” finding it somewhat juvenile. This set the tone for a broader conversation about the appropriateness of the theme and the word choice, particularly within the context of the New York Times crossword. However, Parker also commendably updated his post to include Andrea’s name, rectifying an initial oversight and highlighting the collaborative nature of the puzzle’s creation.
The comments section quickly became a forum for a wide range of perspectives. Many solvers lauded the puzzle’s humor and originality. Commenters like jae found it “delightful,” while chefwen admitted to laughing out loud at the reveal, praising the constructors, Andrea “Queen of Mondays” and Loren Muse Smith, for their cleverness. Chefwen even shared a personal anecdote about playing Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker,” playfully connecting it to the puzzle’s theme, showcasing the puzzle’s ability to trigger personal memories and associations.
Whirred Whacks declared it the “best NYT Monday puzzle ever,” drawing parallels to another crossword moment considered “cheeky,” Anna Schetchman’s use of SHTUP in a previous puzzle. This perspective highlighted the puzzle’s boundary-pushing nature as a source of its appeal for some solvers, appreciating the humor and unexpectedness in a typically straightforward Monday puzzle. Lewis, a regular commenter, celebrated the puzzle as “a bra puzzle authored by a lovely pair!” and pointed out subtle sub-themes within the grid, appreciating the intricate layers of construction.
However, not all reactions were purely celebratory. Anonymous commenters expressed disappointment with the puzzle, with one simply stating, “So…you don’t know the constructor and it’s a shit puzzle. Got it.” This comment, though blunt, reflects a segment of solvers who might not have appreciated the theme or felt it was beneath the NYT’s usual standards. Nancy articulated a more nuanced critique, admitting to missing the “booby” meaning initially and finding the puzzle “more PLAY(tex)FUL than I did before. But also a bit distasteful?” Nancy’s comment captured the mixed feelings some solvers experienced, appreciating the cleverness while feeling slightly uncomfortable with the theme’s juvenile undertones.
Katherine’s comment brought a gendered perspective to the discussion, expressing “relief” that the puzzle was created by women, contrasting it with the potential reception if it had been made by “old dudes who took a quick break from ‘thug’ cluing to giggle about ‘boobies’.” This highlighted the importance of authorship and perspective in how themes are perceived, suggesting that coming from female constructors, the theme felt less like locker-room humor and more like playful self-deprecation or reclamation.
The term “boobies” itself became a point of contention. Rex’s initial discomfort resonated with some, like Ludyjynn, who associated the term with “The Real Housewives of Orange County” and deemed it “sophomoric.” However, others, like Malsdemare, defended the term, arguing that “my girls think boobies is just fine,” reflecting generational and personal differences in language and comfort levels. Feeling the Ouch shared a vivid and negative personal anecdote involving the word “boobies” in a medical context, illustrating how the term can be loaded with negative connotations for some, based on personal experiences. Conversely, commenters like cwf embraced the “eight-year-old boy” within themselves, finding humor in the revealer. Tita praised the puzzle as a “hoot,” suggesting that Rex’s critique might be a performative stance, given his broader engagement with popular culture and sometimes irreverent humor.
The comments also touched upon the broader crossword community dynamics. Loren Muse Smith herself chimed in, thanking commenters for being “good sports” and acknowledging that some “Oh How Immature hits” were expected. She also reflected on the blog’s moderation policy, noting how it changed the nature of the comment section from a real-time conversation to a more delayed forum, impacting her personal engagement with the community. This meta-commentary highlighted the evolving nature of online communities and the challenges of moderation in fostering both open discussion and a civil environment.
Several commenters expressed missing Annabel, the younger blogger who previously covered Monday puzzles, suggesting a desire for diverse voices and perspectives within the crossword blogging sphere. The absence of Evil Doug, a known commenter, was also noted, raising questions about the impact of the moderation policy on regular contributors. Pmdm pointed out the delayed submission of the puzzle (3 years prior) and a change in a clue answer, providing behind-the-scenes insights into the puzzle creation process.
In conclusion, the “booby trap” themed crossword puzzle became more than just a Monday morning diversion. It served as a catalyst for a vibrant, multifaceted discussion within the crossword blog community. The comments reveal a spectrum of reactions, from amusement and appreciation to discomfort and critique, highlighting the subjective nature of humor and the diverse expectations solvers bring to the New York Times crossword. The puzzle, and the ensuing commentary, underscore the power of crosswords to provoke thought, spark conversation, and even occasionally, to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or humorous within the traditionally staid world of the NYT crossword. The varied responses exemplify the dynamic interplay between puzzle constructors, blog reviewers, and the engaged community of solvers, each contributing to the ongoing narrative of the daily crossword experience.
