NYT Crossword: Cartoon Devil Goes to Town
When it comes to crosswords, the New York Times is undoubtedly the gold standard. However, even the most dedicated crossword enthusiasts have their reservations about the informal titles given to many of the NYT’s puzzles. One of the most loathed titles in recent years is “Cartoon Devil Goes to Town.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this puzzle and why it’s gained such notoriety.
What is “Cartoon Devil Goes to Town?”
“Cartoon Devil Goes to Town” is the nickname given to the NYT crossword puzzle that was published on July 6th, 2017. The puzzle was created by Ryan McCarty and was slated to run on a Thursday, which is typically a day of the week where the puzzles are more challenging.
However, when solvers opened the puzzle, they were confronted with an unusual layout that made it difficult to find the starting point. The puzzle’s title, which was “Devilishly Difficult,” also added to the challenge.
As solvers progressed through the puzzle, they soon realized that the theme involved cartoon devils, and many of the clues were intentionally misleading. For instance, the clue “A period of penitence” had the answer “Lent,” which is a homonym of “Lend,” which means “to loan.”
Why is it so Infamous?
At first glance, “Cartoon Devil Goes to Town” may seem like any other challenging crossword puzzle. However, the layout, title, and clues combine to give solvers a much harder time than they’re used to.
To make matters worse, Ryan McCarty later revealed that he had accidentally made a mistake in the puzzle. “I had constructed an incorrect letter ordering pattern that rendered the southeast corner nearly impossible to solve,” he said.
Many solvers felt frustrated and misled, and the informal title only added to their disdain. The term “Cartoon Devil Goes to Town” has since become synonymous with puzzles that are intentionally tricky and misleading.
The Impact on Crossword Solving
Despite the controversy, “Cartoon Devil Goes to Town” has had a significant impact on crossword solving culture.
For one, it reignited the debate over whether the NYT’s puzzles had become too difficult for the average solver. It also highlighted the importance of puzzle editors and the role they play in ensuring fair and enjoyable puzzles.
Additionally, it sparked discussion about the use of informal puzzle titles and whether they serve to enhance or detract from the solving experience.
Conclusion
“Cartoon Devil Goes to Town” may have caused a stir in the crossword world, but it ultimately served as a reminder of the challenges and joys of the solving experience. Even the most frustrating puzzle can teach us something new about language and our own abilities.
As for the informal title, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see puzzles given nicknames by the crossword community. Whether they add to the solving experience or detract from it, is up for debate.
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