French for “dainty” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "French for “dainty”", is a classic example of a foreign language clue, a staple in many crossword puzzles. These clues test your vocabulary beyond English, but often focus on words that have been adopted into English or are widely known through culture, cuisine, or art. This particular clue is a great entry point for many solvers, as the answer is a word you've likely encountered before, even if you don't speak French.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a straightforward definition, asking for a direct translation. The structure "French for [word]" tells us exactly what we need: the French equivalent of the English word "dainty". "Dainty" implies something that is delicately small and pretty. Our task is to find a French word that carries this meaning.

Thinking Approaches

When faced with a foreign language clue, a good first step is to think about how that language intersects with English.

1. Loanwords: Many French words are used directly in English. Run through a mental list of French words you know. Chic, deja vu, rendezvous... does any of them mean "dainty"?
2. Contextual Association: Where do we see French words most often? Cuisine is a huge one. Think about French food terms. This is often the most fruitful path.
3. Sounding it Out: The word "dainty" has a certain delicate feel. Does any French word you know evoke a similar feeling?
4. The Culinary Connection: If you connect "dainty" or "small and delicate" to food, you might land on a specific cut of meat. What is that fancy, small steak called? That's right, filet mignon. The "filet" part means fillet, so the other part must mean "dainty" or "small."

If you get a few crossing letters, they can confirm your hunch. For example, if you have M_G_O_, the answer becomes much clearer.

Background Context

The answer, MIGNON, is a French adjective that translates to "cute," "sweet," "dainty," or "delicate." While it's a common word in French, its primary exposure in the English-speaking world comes from the culinary term filet mignon. This term literally means "dainty fillet" and refers to a tender, prime cut of beef tenderloin.

Beyond the kitchen, the word also appears in the title of the 1866 opera Mignon by French composer Ambroise Thomas, based on a novel by Goethe. This provides another cultural touchstone that might bring the word to mind for solvers.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of a fair and accessible foreign language clue. It leverages a word that has become part of the English lexicon through food, making it recognizable to a broad audience. It's a satisfying fill that rewards general cultural knowledge without requiring fluency in French.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of French words that have entered English, especially in culinary contexts.
2. Hint 2: This word is often paired with "filet" on a steakhouse menu.
3. Hint 3: It describes something small, delicate, or pretty.
4. Hint 4: The word is also part of the name of an opera by Ambroise Thomas.