Sally Hoelscher is here to enlighten us on today’s USA TODAY crossword puzzle, offering some intriguing insights and solutions. If you haven’t tackled the puzzle yet, you might want to stop reading to keep your solving experience spoiler-free.
As today’s crossword unfolds, one highlight is the clue AROMANTIC (40A): Like both main characters in the show “Koisenu Futari,” (2022) for short. This Japanese TV series centers around two aromantic asexual people, and ‘ARO’ is abbreviated from aromantic. The show’s title translates to “Two People Who Can’t Fall in Love,” adding a layer of depth to the wordplay.
Another interesting tidbit is ALASKANS (12D: Many Haida people). The Haida are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, with a notable presence in Alaska among 231 federally recognized tribes, especially on Prince of Wales Island in the Alaska Panhandle.
Some Random Thoughts & Interesting Things also offer fascinating insights. “SMITH” holds its ground as the most common surname in the U.S., with approximately 2.4 million bearers, surpassing other common last names like Johnson and Williams. Meanwhile, musical talents feature prominently across clues, such as PINKPANTHERESS, a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame after going viral on TikTok, and her song “Boy’s a Liar.”
Culinary delights are not left out. The crossword clue ADOBO (28D: Unofficial national dish of the Philippines) highlights a flavorful dish of marinated meat or seafood.
In the Greek alphabet, RHO (22D: Letter before sigma) precedes sigma. This level of detail even touches on letters of the alphabet, showcasing the diverse range of knowledge required for crossword enthusiasts.
The Theme Summary for today’s puzzle involves a clever twist on the word “PRESS.” Each theme answer begins with “P” and concludes with “R-E-S-S,” such as PINKPANTHERESS, POLKA DOT DRESS, and POSITIVE STRESS. This kind of wordplay is characteristic of USA Today’s crosswords, always finding new ways to challenge and entertain its followers.
In essence, today’s puzzle offers a delightful journey through a variety of topics, from musical artists to cultural dishes and linguistic tidbits. It requires solvers to draw on diverse knowledge areas while providing an entertaining escape into the world of words.
