Sport - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Sport," is a fantastic example of how a simple, common word can be a real head-scratcher in a crossword puzzle. The trick lies in its versatility. While your mind might immediately jump to athletics or games, the puzzle is asking you to look at the word from a different angle.

Clue Analysis

The clue is the single word "Sport." The most common meaning is as a noun, referring to an athletic activity. However, in crosswords, one-word clues are often synonyms, and the constructor is frequently testing your knowledge of secondary definitions.

Here, "sport" is used as a verb. Consider the phrase, "He was sporting a new fedora." In this context, "to sport" means to wear or display something, often with a sense of pride or flair. The answer is a direct synonym for this usage.

Thinking Approaches

1. Part-of-Speech Pivot: When a one-word clue seems too obvious or the obvious meaning doesn't fit the grid, the first thing to do is pivot the part of speech. If you're thinking of "sport" as a noun, consciously ask yourself, "What does 'sport' mean as a verb?"

2. Test in a Sentence: Create a simple sentence where "sport" is a verb. For example: "She will sport a diamond necklace at the gala." Now, try to substitute four-letter synonyms into that sentence. "She will wear a diamond necklace..." This fits perfectly.

3. Use the Crossings: If you were stuck, getting even one or two crossing letters would be a massive help. If you had W _ _ R, your brain would likely make the leap to WEAR much faster and then connect it back to the clue's meaning.

Background Context

The verb "to sport" has been used in English for centuries to mean "to display ostentatiously" or "to wear." It's related to the idea of doing something for amusement or diversion (the root of the noun "sport"), suggesting that what is being worn is for show or enjoyment. While it might sound a little formal or even old-fashioned today, it's still in common usage and is classic crossword vocabulary.

Conclusion

This clue is a great lesson in mental flexibility. It reminds us that the most familiar words can have hidden depths. By challenging our initial assumptions and considering alternative definitions, we can unlock answers that might otherwise seem elusive. Remember to always consider a part-of-speech pivot for single-word clues!

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of the clue as a verb, not a noun.
2. Hint 2: This verb means to display something on your person.
3. Hint 3: It's what you do with clothes or accessories.
4. Hint 4: A synonym for 'don' or 'have on'.