Ailment the morning after a loud concert, maybe - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Ailment the morning after a loud concert, maybe," is a fun, relatable scenario that points solvers toward a common physical symptom. It's a great example of a clue that doesn't rely on a dictionary definition but rather on a cause-and-effect relationship drawn from everyday life.

Clue Analysis

The clue sets a very specific scene:

• "Ailment": We're looking for a word describing a physical problem or symptom.
• "a loud concert": This is the cause. What happens at a loud concert? You listen to loud music, and you probably do a lot of shouting, cheering, or singing along.
• "the morning after": This tells us we're looking for a consequence, a lingering effect of the concert.
• "maybe": This qualifier is important. It signals that this ailment is a possible outcome, not a guaranteed one, which is typical for this kind of situational clue.

Putting it all together, the clue asks: What vocal problem might you have after a night of straining your voice at a concert?

Thinking Approaches

1. Visualize the Scenario: Picture yourself leaving a fantastic concert. You've been singing your heart out for three hours. How does your throat feel? How does your voice sound the next day? Words like hoarse, scratchy, or gravelly probably come to mind. The answer is a synonym for this condition.

2. Word Association: Start with the core concept: a strained voice.

   Voice -> Hoarse -> Scratchy -> Croak -> RASP This chain of associations leads directly to the answer. A "rasp" in one's voice is a common expression for this exact symptom.

3. Leverage Crossings: If you're stuck, getting a letter or two from intersecting clues can be a game-changer. If you had R _ _ P, you could test words. RAMP? ROPE? Neither fits the clue's meaning. RASP, however, fits perfectly as a description of a harsh, grating vocal sound.

Background Context

The word RASP has a dual meaning that makes it a crossword favorite. Its primary meaning is a coarse file used for aggressively shaping materials like wood. The use of "rasp" to describe a voice is metaphorical, comparing the harsh, grating sound to the rough texture created by the tool. This kind of figurative language is common in English and provides fertile ground for clever cluing.

Conclusion

This clue is a well-crafted, accessible entry that rewards solvers for making a simple connection to a real-world experience. By painting a vivid picture, it guides you to the answer, RASP, which perfectly captures that post-concert vocal strain. It's a satisfying solve that feels both logical and clever.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Consider the effect that hours of shouting or singing can have on a person.
2. Hint 2: This ailment specifically affects one's voice.
3. Hint 3: It describes a harsh, scratchy, or grating quality in one's speech.
4. Hint 4: This word is also the name of a coarse file used for shaping wood or metal.