Be a buttinsky - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Be a buttinsky," is a fun and informal entry that relies on understanding a piece of American slang. It's a great example of how crossword puzzles often pull from colloquial language to keep things fresh. The clue asks for a verb that captures the essence of what a "buttinsky" does, leading to a short and common answer.

Clue Analysis

The key to this clue is the word buttinsky. This is a slang term for a person who "butts in," meaning they meddle, interfere, or get involved in other people's business where they're not wanted. The clue is phrased as a command or description: "Be a buttinsky." This directs the solver to find a verb that means "to act like a buttinsky."

So, what action does a buttinsky perform? They snoop, they meddle, they interfere. The answer we're looking for is a synonym for these actions, and given its likely short length in a crossword grid, it will be a very common word.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might tackle this clue in a few ways:

1. Direct Definition: If you're familiar with the term "buttinsky," your brain will likely jump straight to its core meaning. You can run through synonyms for meddling: interfere, snoop, intrude, and finally, the three-letter word that fits the bill.

2. Deconstruction: Break down the word itself. "Buttinsky" clearly comes from the phrasal verb "to butt in." From there, you can follow the same synonym trail as above to find the answer.

3. Using Crossings: For a short answer like this, crossing letters are incredibly powerful. If you have just one or two letters, you can often solve the clue instantly. For example, if you have the last letter, say 'Y', and you know the clue means "meddle," you can quickly test words like SPY or PRY. The latter is a much better fit for the nosy, interfering nature of a buttinsky.

Background Context

The term "buttinsky" is a colorful piece of American slang, believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. The "-sky" suffix is a feature of American English used to create informal, sometimes humorous or slightly derogatory, nouns. It's often associated with mock-Yiddish or mock-Slavic constructions, similar to words like "nogoodnik." The term effectively takes the very direct action of "butting in" and turns it into a label for a type of person, the meddler or busybody.

Conclusion

"Be a buttinsky" is a delightful clue that rewards knowledge of everyday slang. By understanding that a buttinsky is someone who interferes in others' affairs, the solver is led directly to a simple, three-letter verb that perfectly describes this nosy behavior. It's a classic example of an easy clue made more interesting through informal language.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue uses a slang term for someone who interferes. What action are they taking?
2. Hint 2: This action involves getting into someone else's business or personal affairs.
3. Hint 3: It's a verb that means to inquire impertinently or snoop.
4. Hint 4: This word can also mean to lever something open, like with a crowbar.

The answer is PRY.