#1
What is the most common size of a standard crossword puzzle grid?
15x15
ExplanationStandard dimensions for crossword grids.
#2
Who is often credited with creating the first crossword puzzle?
Arthur Wynne
ExplanationAttribution for the inception of crossword puzzles.
#3
What is the term for the person who constructs a crossword puzzle?
Constructor
ExplanationRole within crossword puzzle creation.
#4
In crossword puzzles, what does 'crossing' refer to?
When words intersect
ExplanationIntersection of words in crossword grids.
#5
What is the term for a clue that gives a literal meaning of the answer?
Direct
ExplanationClue type in crossword puzzles.
#6
What is the term for a crossword puzzle where the answers contain puns or wordplay?
Cryptic crossword
ExplanationStyle characterized by wordplay.
#7
What is the term used to describe the blank spaces in a crossword puzzle?
Squares
ExplanationBasic elements of crossword grids.
#8
Which of the following is NOT a standard crossword puzzle theme type?
Rhyme Time
ExplanationAn example of a non-standard theme.
#9
Which newspaper was the first to regularly publish crossword puzzles?
New York Times
ExplanationHistorical significance in crossword puzzle publication.
#10
What does the term 'crosswordese' refer to in crossword puzzle jargon?
Commonly used words in crossword puzzles
ExplanationSpecialized vocabulary within crossword culture.
#11
Which year was the first crossword puzzle book published?
1930
ExplanationMilestone in crossword puzzle publication.
#12
What is the term for a crossword puzzle that uses numbers instead of letters?
Sudoku
ExplanationDistinct type of puzzle involving numbers.
#13
What is a 'cheater square' in crossword construction?
A black square that does not affect word count
ExplanationElement used to improve grid structure.
#14
In a cryptic crossword, what does an anagram indicator do?
Signals that letters should be rearranged
ExplanationFunction within cryptic crossword clues.
#15
What is the longest running daily crossword puzzle in a newspaper?
New York Times
ExplanationEnduring feature in a prominent newspaper.
#16
In cryptic crosswords, what does the abbreviation 'anag.' stand for?
Anagram
ExplanationAbbreviated instruction in cryptic crossword clues.
#17
What does the term 'crosswordese' refer to in the context of crossword puzzles?
Commonly used words or phrases in crossword puzzles
ExplanationSpecific lexicon within crossword culture.
#18
Which newspaper has a popular crossword puzzle called 'The Mini'?
New York Times
ExplanationSpecific puzzle feature within a newspaper.