The New York Times crossword puzzle on a recent Monday sparked a lively discussion among enthusiasts, thanks to its cheeky theme centered around, shall we say, “boobies.” Constructed by Andrea Carla Michaels and Loren Muse Smith, the puzzle, themed around BOOBYTRAPS, elicited reactions ranging from amusement and delight to slight discomfort and debate about its appropriateness for the esteemed NYT.
Analyzing the Reactions: From Giggles to Grimaces
The online crossword community, known for its passionate and diverse opinions, did not hold back in responding to this playfully themed puzzle. Initial reactions, as seen in the blog comments, were swift and varied.
The “Giggle Factor”: Embracing the Humor
Many solvers found the puzzle to be a breath of fresh air, praising its humor and unexpected reveal. Commenters highlighted the cleverness of the theme and the lightheartedness it brought to a Monday puzzle, typically considered the easiest of the week.
“This is the best NYT Monday puzzle ever! My congratulation to the constructors.”
“Bravi to the Queen of Monday and our own linguist/storyteller/soulbarer/wordplayer Loren. This was a hoot to solve!”
“The revealer brought a grin to my face. That almost never happens. Must be the eight-year-old boy in the forty-eight-year-old me.”
The unexpected nature of the theme, especially in the context of the NYT crossword, contributed to the amusement. Many acknowledged the slightly juvenile nature of the “boobies” reference but embraced it as a welcome departure from the norm. The constructors themselves seemed to anticipate some mixed reactions, with Loren Muse Smith commenting:
“Thanks, all, for being good sports on this one! Taking a few Oh How Immature hits on other sites, but that was to be expected.”
Navigating the Nuances: Taste and Terminology
While many celebrated the puzzle’s playfulness, others expressed reservations. The core of the debate revolved around the use of the word “booby” and its perceived juvenile or even distasteful connotations.
“Like Rex, I hate the word BOOBY, and have never known a single woman to utter it. To me, it smacks of 5th-grade boys’ locker-room talk.”
“Disappointed that we did not have a write up, by the young girl whom used to do the first Monday puzzle”
Some commenters pointed out the generational and regional differences in the use of the term, with some finding it outdated or inappropriate, while others considered it a harmless, even endearing, term. The discussion touched upon the evolving sensitivities around language and the line between cheeky humor and potentially offensive terminology.
Constructor Credit and Community Spirit
Beyond the theme itself, commenters also praised the constructors, Andrea Carla Michaels and Loren Muse Smith, recognizing their skill and creativity. The fact that the puzzle was a collaboration between two female constructors was noted and appreciated by many, especially in the context of ongoing discussions about diversity in crossword puzzle construction.
“So enjoyed a puzzle written by women with a theme for women that is literally near and dear to our hearts!”
“@Lewis: “A bra puzzle authored by a lovely pair!” = Big time ‘Coffee Nose’!!”
The comments section itself became a lively space for community interaction, with solvers sharing their personal solving experiences, favorite clues, and interpretations of the theme. The moderated comment section, a recent change, was also discussed, with some lamenting the slower pace of conversation compared to the previous unmoderated format.
Beyond Boobies: Puzzle Positives and Minor Points
While the “booby” theme dominated the discussion, commenters also touched upon other aspects of the puzzle’s construction and fill. Positive notes were given to the overall ease and smoothness of the Monday puzzle, as well as specific entries like PADDEDCELL, FRESHEN, and ROCOCO. Some minor criticisms were raised regarding specific clues or fill words, but these were largely overshadowed by the thematic debate.
“Easy Mon. for me and delightful, just delightful. POnd before POOL was the only bump in an otherwise smooth solve. Liked it a bunch, made me smile.”
“I liked the colorful ODDS MAKER and CONKING, but I am not sure about FRESHEN all by its lonesome. Usually it’s FRESHEN up, isn’t it?”
Conclusion: A Puzzle That Provokes and Pleases
The “BOOBYTRAPS” crossword puzzle, crafted by Andrea Carla Michaels and Loren Muse Smith, successfully achieved what many puzzles aim to do: it sparked conversation. While the cheeky theme might not have been to everyone’s taste, it undeniably injected a dose of humor and unexpectedness into the Monday crossword. The lively online discussion reflects the diverse perspectives within the crossword community and highlights the subjective nature of humor and taste, even in the seemingly structured world of puzzles. Whether you chuckled or cringed at the theme, the puzzle certainly provided a memorable start to the crossword week.
