The Wikipedia provides a good introduction to crosswords. It
describes how these word games were first invented
in 1913 for the New York World publication,
and how they have been changed over the years such
that they now incorporate a variety of grid styles
and clue styles. In particular, it provides good
insight into cryptic crosswords: their
development as a specialised form of clues, and the
types of wordplay that are commonly used (useful
information for those clue solvers who are new to
this largely British style of crossword).A good example of a cryptic crossword clue
is given and explained by InfoPlease:
To solve a cryptic puzzle, you have to figure out
the clue itself as well as the definition. To the
uninitiated, cryptic clues often make very little
sense. "Beat in return game here (4)"
yields the word "golf" (game) - flog
(beat) spelled backwards (in return).
For a greater in-depth look at the history of crosswords, the
Oxford University Press's AskOxford
web site has much to interest and inform. Indeed,
this site has much of more general interest,
including a variety of word games and a regular series of crosswords
(with an archive).
If you're looking for an online dictionary of
British English words, you'll have to pay to use the
Oxford
English Dictionary (OED). As the accepted
authority on the English language, it's doubtless
worth the subscription if you need the depth of its
content. If, however, your needs a little less
demanding, you might like to try Cambridge
University Press's excellent free Cambridge Dictionaries Online.
In addition to an excellent dictionary, the
Cambridge Dictionaries Online site has many
resources for those learning the English language.
This includes French to English, Spanish to English,
and idioms dictionaries, plus online worksheets and
activities.
Crosswords are fun, and can be educational too.
We hope you enjoy the challenge of our crosswords.
