Stuff You Should Know

Crosswords episode, perhaps?

8 snips
Mar 2, 2023
Discover the fascinating history of crossword puzzles, tracing their roots back to 1913 and their rise to cultural stardom. Learn about the clever wordplay behind British cryptic clues compared to American styles, with amusing insights into solving strategies. Delve into the creative art of themed puzzles and the societal impact they had, especially during World War II. Plus, uncover effective strategies for mastering these brain-teasing games and debunk the myth about possums and ticks while celebrating the crossword community!
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ANECDOTE

Chuck's Crossword Journey

  • Chuck Bryant discovered a newfound passion for crosswords in 2022, starting with easier puzzles.
  • He progressed to solving the entire week's worth of New York Times crosswords, finding increased happiness.
INSIGHT

Crossword Origins

  • Arthur Wynne, a British immigrant, invented the "word-cross" puzzle, later renamed "crossword."
  • An illustrator's accidental word swap gave the puzzle its lasting name.
ANECDOTE

Crossword Symmetry Debate

  • Josh and Chuck discuss crossword symmetry, initially disagreeing about its presence in modern puzzles.
  • Chuck realizes his misunderstanding of symmetry after further examination.
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