Salsas, e.g. - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Salsas, e.g.", is a classic example of crossword misdirection. At first glance, your mind might jump to the culinary world, but the answer lies in a completely different realm of activity. The abbreviation "e.g." is our key, telling us that "salsas" are an example of the word we're looking for.

Clue Analysis

The clue presents "Salsas" as an example of a larger category. The most common association with "salsa" is the tomato-based condiment often served with tortilla chips. This would lead a solver to think of answers like "DIPS," "SAUCES," or "CONDIMENTS."

However, this is a clever trap. "Salsa" has another prominent meaning: a popular form of social dance with origins in Latin America. The clue uses the plural "salsas," which works for both the food and the art form. Once you pivot from the kitchen to the ballroom, the correct category becomes clear. The puzzle is asking for the general category to which the salsa dance belongs.

Thinking Approaches

1. Initial Association & Re-evaluation: Your first instinct is likely "DIPS" or "SAUCES." You'd pencil that in or check the letter count. If it doesn't fit the grid, it's time to brainstorm. This is a crucial step in solving tricky clues: don't get stuck on your first idea.

2. Exploring Alternative Meanings: Ask yourself, "What else does 'salsa' mean?" This is a great habit for any crossword solver. Many English words have multiple meanings, and constructors love to exploit this ambiguity. The dance is the next most common meaning.

3. Finding the Category: Once you identify salsa as a dance, the next step is to generalize. What is a salsa? It's a type of dance. Since the clue is plural ("Salsas"), the answer will also be plural.

4. Confirmation with Examples: To confirm your theory, think of other examples that would fit the category. Does "mambos, e.g." or "tangos, e.g." work with your potential answer? Yes, they are all types of the same thing.

Background Context

The word "salsa" is Spanish for "sauce," often connoting a spicy or zesty flavor. The salsa dance and its associated music genre are named metaphorically, reflecting the "spiciness" and vibrant energy of the culture from which they emerged.

This type of clue, which plays on a word's dual meanings, is a fundamental building block of crossword puzzles. It rewards solvers who can think laterally and consider possibilities beyond the obvious. It's a fun "aha!" moment when you see past the initial misdirection.

Conclusion

The key to solving "Salsas, e.g." is to recognize the ambiguity of the word "salsa." By moving past the culinary definition and embracing its meaning in the world of performance and social activity, the answer reveals itself as a common, everyday word that perfectly categorizes the example given.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue points to a category, not a specific item. Think about what 'salsa' is besides a food.
2. Hint 2: This word can refer to social gatherings or a type of performance art.
3. Hint 3: Mambo, tango, and waltz are other examples of this category.
4. Hint 4: The clue uses a plural example, so the answer is likely a plural noun.