Crosswords are a popular and enjoyable pastime for many people. They can challenge your vocabulary, test your general knowledge, and stimulate your brain. However, not all crosswords are created equal. Some are too easy, some are too hard, and some are just plain boring. In this article, we will focus on one of the worst examples of a crossword puzzle: the Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword.
What is the Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword?
The Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword is a crossword puzzle that was published in the Daily Mail on January 15, 2024. It is a 15×15 grid with 78 clues, 39 across and 39 down. The clues are mostly obscure, vague, or misleading, and the answers are either very common, very rare, or very specific. The puzzle has no theme, no wordplay, and no fun. It is a frustrating and tedious exercise in futility.
Why is the Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword so bad?
There are many reasons why the Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword is a terrible puzzle. Here are some of the most glaring ones:
- The clues are poorly written and unoriginal. Many of them are simply definitions, synonyms, or antonyms of the answers, with no clever twists or hints. For example, the clue for 1 across is “Opposite of yes”, and the answer is “No”. The clue for 7 down is “A large, heavy, mammal that has a trunk and tusks”, and the answer is “Elephant”. These clues are boring and uninspired, and do not require any skill or creativity to solve.
- The clues are also inconsistent and unfair. Some of them are too easy, while others are too hard. Some of them are too general, while others are too specific. Some of them are factual, while others are subjective. For example, the clue for 4 across is “The capital of France”, and the answer is “Paris”. This is a very easy and well-known fact that anyone can answer. However, the clue for 13 across is “The name of the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics”, and the answer is “Marie Curie”. This is a very hard and obscure fact that only a few people can answer. The clue for 9 down is “A type of cheese”, and the answer is “Cheddar”. This is a very general and vague clue that could have many possible answers. However, the clue for 15 down is “A type of cheese made from sheep’s milk and often eaten with figs”, and the answer is “Pecorino”. This is a very specific and narrow clue that has only one possible answer.
- The answers are also uninteresting and repetitive. Many of them are very common words that appear frequently in crosswords, such as “Ate”, “Era”, “Oar”, “Ore”, and “Roe”. These words are filler and do not add any value or variety to the puzzle. Some of them are very rare words that hardly anyone knows or uses, such as “Aa”, “Ewe”, “Oka”, “Oxo”, and “Zee”. These words are obscure and do not enrich or expand the vocabulary of the solver. Some of them are very specific words that relate to a particular field or topic, such as “Amp”, “DNA”, “EKG”, “RNA”, and “TNT”. These words are technical and do not appeal to a broad or diverse audience.
What are the alternatives to the Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword?
If you are looking for a better crossword puzzle to solve, you have many options to choose from. There are many sources of quality crosswords, both online and offline, that cater to different levels of difficulty, themes, and styles. Some of the most popular and reputable ones are:
- The New York Times crossword: This is the gold standard of crosswords, with a long history and a loyal fan base. The puzzles are challenging and clever, with a variety of clues and answers that range from trivia to wordplay. The puzzles also have a theme, which adds an extra layer of fun and coherence. The puzzles vary in difficulty throughout the week, from easy on Monday to hard on Saturday. The Sunday puzzle is the largest and the most prestigious, with a title and a special twist.
- The Guardian crossword: This is another well-known and respected crossword, with a British flavor and a witty tone. The puzzles are inventive and humorous, with a lot of puns, anagrams, and cryptic clues. The puzzles also have a theme, which is often topical or quirky. The puzzles are published daily, with different setters and styles. The Monday puzzle is the easiest, while the Friday puzzle is the hardest. The Saturday prize puzzle is the most popular, with a cash reward for the winner.
- The American Values Club crossword: This is a modern and progressive crossword, with a diverse and inclusive perspective. The puzzles are fresh and relevant, with a lot of references to pop culture, social issues, and current events. The puzzles also have a theme, which is often clever or surprising. The puzzles are published weekly, on Wednesdays, and are suitable for solvers of all levels. The puzzles are also available in different formats, such as PDF, Across Lite, or online.
Conclusion
The Seriously Don’t Bother Crossword is a crossword puzzle that you should avoid at all costs. It is a waste of time, energy, and paper. It is a poorly designed and executed puzzle, with no redeeming qualities or features. It is a crossword puzzle that does not deserve to be called a crossword puzzle.
If you are looking for a crossword puzzle that is worth your time, you have many better options to choose from. You can find crosswords that are challenging and enjoyable, with clues and answers that are interesting and varied. You can find crosswords that have themes and styles that suit your preferences and tastes. You can find crosswords that are fun and rewarding, with puzzles that make you think and smile.