Simpson née Bouvier - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Simpson née Bouvier," is a classic example of a pop culture trivia question presented in standard crossword format. It's a direct and accessible clue for most solvers, relying on knowledge of one of the most famous animated families in television history.

Clue Analysis

Let's break down the components of this clue:

• "Simpson": This word immediately points to the iconic animated sitcom, The Simpsons. The solver's mind should jump to the main characters: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
• "née Bouvier": This is the key to identifying which Simpson is being referenced. The word née is French for "born" and is used in English to indicate a married woman's maiden name. Therefore, the clue is asking for the first name of the member of the Simpson family whose original last name was Bouvier.

By combining these two pieces of information, we can deduce that the clue is asking for the name of Homer's wife, the matriarch of the family.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: For fans of The Simpsons or those with a general knowledge of pop culture, this is an instant solve. The fact that Marge's maiden name is Bouvier (along with her sisters, Patty and Selma) is a well-established piece of the show's lore.

2. Process of Elimination: If you know the main Simpson family members, you can quickly eliminate the possibilities. Homer is a Simpson by birth. Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are their children, also Simpsons by birth. This leaves only the mother, who married into the Simpson name.

3. Understanding Crossword Language: Recognizing "née" is a crucial skill for crossword solvers. Whenever you see it, you should immediately think "maiden name." This convention appears frequently in puzzles.

4. Using Crossings: If the answer doesn't come to you right away, getting even one or two crossing letters for this five-letter answer would likely trigger the correct name.

Background Context

Marge Simpson is the perpetually patient and loving mother of the Simpson family. Her maiden name, Bouvier, connects her to her cynical, chain-smoking twin sisters, Patty and Selma Bouvier, who famously disapprove of her husband, Homer. This family dynamic is a frequent source of humor and plot development in the long-running series. The name "Bouvier" itself is a nod to former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, whose maiden name was Bouvier.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a perfect entry point into a puzzle, offering a confidence-boosting solve for many. It effectively tests pop culture knowledge while reinforcing a common piece of crossword vocabulary ("née"). For those unfamiliar with the show, it's a great opportunity to learn a key piece of trivia about a cultural touchstone.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue refers to a well-known character from an animated television series.
2. Hint 2: This character is the matriarch of a famous family from Springfield.
3. Hint 3: She is known for her tall, blue beehive hairdo.
4. Hint 4: Her husband's name is Homer, and her children are Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.