Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Seeing a 34-letter word as a clue can be both intimidating and exciting. It immediately signals that something unusual is afoot. This clue is a perfect example of a classic crossword misdirection, where the sheer size and fame of the word are meant to distract you from its relatively simple meaning. Let's break down this delightful piece of cluing.

Clue Analysis

The clue is the single word "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". This word was famously popularized by the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins. While the song suggests it's "something to say when you have nothing to say," its generally accepted meaning is "extraordinarily good" or "wonderful."

The crossword constructor is using this informal definition. The clue isn't asking for a character from the movie or a lyric from the song; it's simply using a very long, elaborate word as a synonym for "excellent." The puzzle is asking for a word that means "of the highest quality."

Thinking Approaches

Your first instinct might be to think about Mary Poppins. You might try to recall characters, actors, or related terms. This is the intended trap. When you realize the answer is likely a short word (based on the grid), you need to pivot your strategy.

1. Recognize the Misdirection: The clue's length is the primary trick. Acknowledge that it's unlikely the answer is directly related to the word's structure.
2. Focus on Meaning: Ask yourself, "What does this word mean?" It's a stand-in for "great," "fantastic," or "first-rate."
3. Brainstorm Synonyms: Start a synonym ladder. Think of short, common crossword answers for "excellent": GREAT, SUPER, TOP, BEST.
4. Consider Crossword Tropes: The answer format, combining a letter and a number, is a common one in crosswords. Phrases like "first-rate" or "top-quality" can lead you to think of grades or rankings, like "A-1" or, in this case, "A-One."
5. Use the Crossings: With a few crossing letters, an answer like this often snaps into place, providing that wonderful "aha!" moment.

Background Context

The word "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was written by the Sherman Brothers for the Disney musical Mary Poppins. Its nonsensical, whimsical nature made it an instant classic. In the world of crosswords, using famous but functionally simple words or phrases as clues is a time-honored technique. It tests a solver's ability to look past the surface and engage with the core meaning of the clue, rewarding lateral thinking over rote memorization.

Conclusion

This clue is a masterclass in clever misdirection. It uses a famously long and specific word to point to a short and general answer. By not getting bogged down in the Mary Poppins lore and instead focusing on the word's meaning - "wonderful" or "first-rate" - the path to the answer becomes clear. It's a great reminder that in crosswords, sometimes the biggest clues lead to the simplest answers.

Hints

1. Hint 1: A term for something of the highest quality.
2. Hint 2: A synonym for "first-rate" or "top-notch".
3. Hint 3: This phrase often includes a letter and a number.
4. Hint 4: It's a common grade for excellent work, but spelled out as a single word.