Ever stumbled upon a crossword clue that felt oddlyflattering? Maybe it described a celebrity in glowing terms or lauded a companys achievements with enthusiasm. You might have just encountered a “puff piece” clue in the New York Times crossword! These clues offer a fun, albeit sometimes biased, twist to the puzzle.
The New York Times crossword is known for its wit and clever wordplay. Occasionally, that cleverness takes the form of a “puff piece” clue, which is a clue that is overly complimentary or promotional. Think of it as a mini advertisement cleverly disguised within the grid, adding a touch of lightheartedness.