The Clue
On April 12, 2023, the New York Times published a mini crossword puzzle with the following clue: “Philly N.B.A. player, informally” . The answer was six letters long and started with an S. Can you guess what it was?
If you said SIXER, you are correct. That is the informal name for a player on the Philadelphia 76ers, the NBA team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The clue seemed straightforward enough, but it also sparked a debate on social media among basketball fans and crossword enthusiasts.
The Debate
Some people argued that the clue was too easy and obvious, especially for a Tuesday puzzle. They said that anyone who follows basketball would know the answer without any hesitation, and that the clue did not challenge the solver’s knowledge or skill.
Others disagreed and said that the clue was too obscure and unfair, especially for non-American solvers. They said that not everyone is familiar with the nicknames of NBA teams or players, and that the clue relied on cultural and geographical assumptions that excluded many potential solvers.
The debate also raised some questions about the role of crosswords in general. Are they meant to be educational or entertaining? Should they reflect the diversity of their audience or cater to a specific demographic? How do they balance between being accessible and being challenging?
The Perspective
According to Will Shortz, the crossword editor of the New York Times, the clue was not intended to be controversial or divisive. He said that he tries to make the puzzles appealing to a wide range of solvers, but he also has to consider the difficulty level and the theme of each puzzle.
He explained that the mini crossword is designed to be easy and quick, and that it often uses clues that are related to current events or popular culture. He said that he chose the clue “Philly N.B.A. player” because it was timely and topical, as the 76ers are one of the best teams in the league this season.
He also said that he did not think that the clue was too obscure or unfair, as he assumed that most solvers would have at least some familiarity with NBA teams or players. He said that he tries to avoid clues that are too specific or regional, but he also does not want to avoid clues that are too generic or bland.
He added that he welcomes feedback from solvers and that he is always open to learning new things and improving his craft. He said that he hopes that the puzzles can be a source of fun and enjoyment for everyone, regardless of their background or preferences.
The Conclusion
The clue “Philly N.B.A. player” may seem like a simple and harmless crossword clue, but it also reveals a lot about the complexity and diversity of crosswords and their solvers. It shows that crosswords are not just a game of words, but also a game of culture, knowledge, and perspective.
It also shows that crosswords can be a platform for discussion, debate, and learning. They can challenge our assumptions, broaden our horizons, and enrich our minds. They can also bring us together, as we share our insights, opinions, and experiences.
So next time you encounter a crossword clue that puzzles you or provokes you, don’t be discouraged or angry. Instead, be curious and open-minded. You might discover something new or see something differently. And you might also have some fun along the way.