Word Of The Day: Cruciverbalist

Cruciverbalist

noun

1. a designer or aficionado of crossword puzzles.

Origin of cruciverbalist1

First recorded in 1975–80; from Latin cruci- + verbalist; cross

(Definition from Dictionary.com)

My Connection

My father died at the beginning of this month, but he was, by far, the biggest (and best) puzzler I’ve ever known. In addition to breezing through New York Times crossword puzzles (yes, even the ones released on the weekends), he had long ago upped his game and subscribed to a little-known magazine called Games Magazine.

Now, Games Magazine is not your average crossword puzzle book. In fact, as the name implies, it is comprised of not only crossword puzzles, but also of almost any other kind of word or image puzzle you can imagine – and he worked them all. I would walk into his room at random times of day or night and he would thrust a magazine or newspaper in my direction and say, “Here. Take a look.” It wasn’t really because he needed my help; he just wanted to share the challenge with me. And I would always take him up on it.

And his favorite crossword puzzle designer was Will Shortz. Imagine knowing a crossword puzzle designer by name. Incredible. Yet, my father not only knew his name, but admired and respected the man enough to bring up his name in casual conversation as well. So, here’s to you, Will Shortz:

Ode To A Modern-Day Cruciverbalist

Black and white on gray,

He weaves his words of wisdom,

Leaving space for small sketches

Where only script should go.

Who led that famous charge

at that Texan house of worship

In bygone days of yore? you ask.

“Old Ben Milam, of course,”

Replies Will Shortz,

Picking up a pen.

But does he mention such a thing

In that cryptic clue he writes?

“Too simple,” says the man.

“I’ll make it more obscure,

Something fun to make them think!”

And so he writes Lone Star instead

And ends it with a wink.

Author's Note: I wrote this story as a contest entry for the Part C: The A-Z of Unusual Words contest. I hope you enjoyed the read. I'd love to hear what you think, so please feel free to leave a comment, click the heart, and subscribe!