Accented exclamations - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Accented exclamations," is a delightful piece of wordplay that hinges on a double meaning. It points to a very common crossword answer, but the clever phrasing might make you pause for a moment. This is a classic example of how constructors use ambiguity to make even familiar words feel fresh.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two parts:

1. "Exclamations": This tells us we're looking for words that are shouted or cried out, like "Bravo!" or "Hooray!". The plural form suggests the answer will be a plural noun.
2. "Accented": This is the core of the wordplay. "Accented" can mean two things here:
   • Spoken with a foreign accent, indicating the word is not originally English.
   • Written with an accent mark, like an acute ('), grave (`), or circumflex (^).

The correct answer will satisfy both parts of the clue, being a plural exclamation that is both foreign and written with a diacritical mark.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, a good strategy is to brainstorm based on the different interpretations.

First, focus on "exclamations". What are some common exclamations found in puzzles? AHA, OHO, GOSH, GEE. None of these are typically pluralized or considered "accented" in the sense of being foreign.

Next, incorporate "accented". This should pivot your thinking toward words from other languages. What foreign exclamations do you know?

• Voila! (French)
• Bravo! (Italian)
• Gesundheit! (German)
• Ole! (Spanish)

Now, consider the plural aspect ("exclamations") and the accent mark. The Spanish exclamation ole is written with an acute accent: ole. When shouted multiple times, you get the plural form, which fits the clue perfectly.

Background Context

The word OLE comes from Spanish and is a powerful interjection used to express approval, triumph, or encouragement. Its use is deeply embedded in Hispanic culture, most famously associated with the dramatic flair of bullfighting and the passionate rhythms of flamenco dancing.

Beyond its traditional roots, the cheer has been adopted globally, especially in sports. The rhythmic "Ole, Ole, Ole" chant is a staple at soccer matches around the world, uniting fans in a shared moment of excitement. Because of its short length and common letters, OLE (and its plural OLES) is a frequent guest in crossword grids, making it a piece of "crosswordese" that every solver should know.

Conclusion

The beauty of the clue "Accented exclamations" lies in its efficient wordplay. It cleverly uses the dual meaning of "accented" to point directly to OLES - plural shouts of the Spanish cheer ole. It's a satisfying solve that rewards solvers for recognizing a subtle linguistic pun.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of cheers you might hear at a sporting event or performance.
2. Hint 2: These cheers are often associated with Spanish or Latin American culture.
3. Hint 3: The word is commonly shouted during bullfights or flamenco dancing.
4. Hint 4: The singular form of this word is "ole" with an acute accent.

The answer to "Accented exclamations" is OLES.