The value of Crossword puzzles / myLot

Greece

March 8, 2016 4:34am CST

I learned a new word today, not from a book or a dictionary but from a crossword puzzle. I could not solve the answer so I cheated a little in order to finish the puzzle, and there it was. The word echoed a little in my brain, it was something long forgotten but has now been clawed back into my vocabulary. I thought it must have been one of those words that has slipped out of use for years and then out of the blue I saw it in an advertisement for tea. The spelling had been changed to suit the advert but nevertheless there it was. The following day I heard someone use it in an Australian series I have been watching. I was amazed, suddenly the word seemed to be everywhere. The word was brouhaha. I would be interested to know if it is a familiar one to other English speakers....or was I just ignorant?

8 people like this

6 responses

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382068)

• Rockingham, Australia

8 Mar 16

I've heard the word certainly but wouldn't have thought of it if it was the answer to a crossword clue. I enjoy doing crosswords but prefer cryptic to ordinary ones.

1 person likes this

41Combedale

@41CombedaleRoad (5966)

• Greece

8 Mar 16

I prefer cryptic too because it makes me think. With a straightforward general knowledge question you either know it or you don't. Cryptics are more challenging.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382068)

• Rockingham, Australia

8 Mar 16

@41CombedaleRoad I think though with cryptics once you 'get' the answer you usually know it's correct. I find with straightforward ones there can be lots of options until you get enough answers that the words interlock and you know you've picked the right word.