Blowout - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

The clue "Blowout" is a great example of a single-word clue that relies on identifying the correct context. While "blowout" can mean several things in everyday language, its crossword sense often points to a concise, common synonym. This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword and leads to a punchy four-letter answer.

Clue Analysis

The word "Blowout" has at least three common meanings:

1. A tire bursting suddenly.
2. A large, extravagant party or celebration.
3. An overwhelming, lopsided victory in a game or contest.

In crossword puzzles, when a common word with multiple meanings is used as a clue, the solver's job is to figure out which definition is being targeted. Given that crossword answers are often common words themselves, the sports definition is a very strong candidate. The clue is looking for a synonym for a lopsided victory.

Thinking Approaches

When you see a clue like "Blowout," a good first step is to brainstorm synonyms for its various meanings. Let's focus on the sports context:

1. Brainstorm Synonyms: What are other words for a lopsided win? You might think of landslide, drubbing, trouncing, or shellacking.
2. Consider the Answer Length: The answer is four letters long. None of the words above fit. This is a signal to keep thinking.
3. Expand the Context: What's a more fundamental term for a complete and utter defeat? This might lead you to think about military terms that have crossed over into sports. A crushing defeat that causes an army to flee in disarray is a perfect parallel to a team that has completely given up in a game.
4. Use Crossings: If you have a few crossing letters, this answer often becomes clear. For instance, if you have _O_T, you can test words. LOOT doesn't fit. ROOT could mean 'to cheer for', but doesn't mean 'blowout'. ROUT fits perfectly.

This process of elimination and context-shifting is a core skill in crossword solving.

Background Context

The word ROUT has its origins in military history. It comes from the Old French word route, meaning "a company or band," and later came to signify a disorderly retreat of defeated troops. The imagery is powerful: an army so thoroughly beaten that its formation breaks and soldiers flee in panic.

This vivid term was metaphorically applied to sports to describe a game where one team is so dominant that the other is completely demoralized and defeated, much like a broken army. This is a common linguistic pattern where the dramatic language of warfare is used to describe the less dire, but still intense, competition of sports.

Conclusion

"Blowout" is a classic, straightforward synonym clue. The key is to quickly identify the intended sports context and find the corresponding four-letter word. Recognizing that many sports terms have military origins can help you land on ROUT as the perfect description for a crushing defeat.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about sports or military contexts. What do you call a completely one-sided victory?
2. Hint 2: This term describes a crushing defeat where the losing side is overwhelmed.
3. Hint 3: Synonyms include 'drubbing,' 'trouncing,' or 'landslide.'
4. Hint 4: It's a term for a disorderly retreat of defeated troops, which has been extended to sports.