Risqué message - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Risqué message," is a perfect example of how crossword puzzles stay current by incorporating modern slang and technology-related terms. This clue points directly to a word that didn't exist a few decades ago but is now a common part of the digital lexicon.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two key components:

• "Risqué": This adjective means suggestive of sexual impropriety; slightly indecent or shocking. It points to the content of the message.
• "message": This points to the form of communication. In the 21st century, "message" very often implies a digital text sent via a phone.

Putting these together, we're looking for a term that describes a sexually suggestive text message. The answer is a portmanteau, a word formed by blending two others.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might arrive at the answer through a few different paths:

1. Direct Association: The phrase "risqué message" might immediately bring the answer to mind for those familiar with modern slang. It's a very common term.
2. Deconstruction and Reconstruction: If the answer isn't immediately obvious, you can break down the clue. What's a modern word for "message"? TEXT. What's a short word for something "risqué"? SEX. Combining these gives you the answer.
3. Using Crossings: This is a short, four-letter word. Getting even one or two crossing letters would be a massive help. The 'X' in particular is a dead giveaway, as very few four-letter words fit the pattern S-X-T or S-E-X-.

Background Context

The answer is a portmanteau of "sex" and "text." The term and the practice of sexting gained prominence with the widespread adoption of camera phones and smartphones in the mid-to-late 2000s. It reflects the evolution of language to describe new social behaviors that arise from technological advancements. Its inclusion in the NYT Crossword shows that the term has moved from niche slang to mainstream vocabulary.

Conclusion

This clue is a straightforward, contemporary definition that tests a solver's awareness of modern digital culture. While potentially tricky for those unfamiliar with the term, its common usage and logical construction make it a fair and gettable entry for most. It's a fun reminder that the language of crosswords is always evolving.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This type of message is sent using modern technology.
2. Hint 2: The communication method is typically a mobile phone.
3. Hint 3: The answer is a portmanteau, blending the message's content with its medium.
4. Hint 4: It combines a word for something provocative with a word for a digital message.

The answer is SEXT.