Hand-held communication device - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Hand-held communication device," seems like a straightforward definition at first glance. However, the answer's unique construction, W/TALKIE, introduces a common crossword convention that can trip up even experienced solvers. This type of entry tests not just your vocabulary, but your familiarity with the specific language of puzzles.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a literal, functional description. Let's break it down:

• "Hand-held": This tells us it's portable and can be operated with one's hands.
• "Communication device": Its primary purpose is to transmit and/or receive information between people.

This could describe many things, from a smartphone to a pager. The challenge lies in identifying the specific device that fits the grid and, in this case, a peculiar format.

Thinking Approaches

When faced with a definitional clue like this, a good first step is to brainstorm possibilities. You might think of:

1. PHONE or CELLPHONE
2. PAGER
3. RADIO
4. WALKIE-TALKIE

Next, you'd check the letter count and any crossing letters you've already filled in. If you had the _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ pattern, the slash is a major giveaway. In crossword puzzles, a slash is often used to create an abbreviation. For example, B/W for "black and white" or R/C for "remote control".

Seeing this pattern should immediately make you reconsider your list. Which of those devices has a name that could be abbreviated this way? WALKIE-TALKIE is the perfect candidate. The puzzle shortens "Walkie" to "W/" to create the entry W/TALKIE.

Background Context

The walkie-talkie is a half-duplex, two-way radio transceiver. It was developed during World War II for military use and has since become a staple in public safety, commercial, and recreational settings. Its name, a portmanteau of "walk" and "talk," perfectly describes its function.

The abbreviation style seen in W/TALKIE is a form of crosswordese -- the specialized vocabulary and set of conventions unique to crossword puzzles. Recognizing these patterns, like using a single letter and a slash, is a key skill that develops with practice.

Conclusion

This clue serves as an excellent lesson in looking beyond the literal definition and considering the structural quirks of crossword answers. While the clue itself is easy, the answer's format elevates the difficulty. The key takeaway is to always be on the lookout for abbreviations, especially when you see unconventional characters like a slash in the grid. Mastering these conventions will make you a more versatile and successful solver.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of a device used for two-way radio communication, often seen on construction sites or used by kids playing.
2. Hint 2: This item is a type of portable transceiver, frequently sold in pairs.
3. Hint 3: The full name for this device is a compound word. The answer uses a common crossword abbreviation for the first part.
4. Hint 4: The answer's format includes a single letter followed by a slash to represent the first word of the full name.

The answer is: [W/TALKIE]