End of a mayoral address? - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a fantastic example of the kind of clever wordplay that makes modern crosswords so enjoyable. The question mark at the end is a crucial signal, telling us to look beyond the obvious interpretation. It's a classic misdirection that pivots on a single word with multiple meanings.

Clue Analysis

The phrase "mayoral address" immediately brings to mind a formal speech given by a city's mayor. The word "End" would then suggest the final words of that speech. However, this is the trap!

The key to unlocking this clue lies in the double meaning of address. While it can mean a speech, it can also refer to a location, specifically a digital one in this context: a web address or URL.

If we re-read the clue with this second meaning in mind, it becomes:

"The end of a mayor's web address?"

A mayor is a government official, and their official website would be hosted on a government domain. The "end" of that web address would be its top-level domain (TLD). For U.S. government entities, that TLD is .gov.

Thinking Approaches

When faced with a clue like this, here are a few strategies to find the solution:

1. Heed the Question Mark: A question mark is the puzzle constructor's wink. It almost always means the clue is not literal. Your first step should be to identify the word or phrase that's being played with. In this case, it's "address".

2. Brainstorm Meanings: List out all possible meanings of the key word. For "address," you might think of:

   • A formal speech
   • A physical location (like a house number and street)
   • An email address
   • A web address (URL)

3. Test the Meanings: Go through your list and see which one fits the context of the clue and the likely format of a crossword answer. The "web address" meaning connects "mayoral" (government) to a common three-letter suffix, which is perfect for a crossword grid.

4. Use Crossings: If you're stuck, getting even one letter from a crossing clue can be a game-changer. If the answer is G _ _, the connection to "government" becomes much clearer.

Background Context

The answer, GOV, is the abbreviation for the sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) used by government entities in the United States. The Domain Name System (DNS) uses these domains to organize websites. While we are all familiar with .com, .org, and .edu, the .gov domain is specifically reserved to enhance public trust in online government services.

Conclusion

This clue masterfully uses ambiguity to create a rewarding "aha!" moment. By shifting our understanding of "address" from the physical or oratorical to the digital, the seemingly obscure clue resolves into a simple, logical answer. It's a great reminder to always stay flexible and look for hidden meanings, especially when that little question mark appears.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue plays on a double meaning of the word 'address'. Think about its modern, digital sense.
2. Hint 2: Consider the type of 'address' you might type into a web browser.
3. Hint 3: What is the common suffix for a U.S. government website?
4. Hint 4: This three-letter abbreviation is the top-level domain for government entities.