Stand-up comic Margaret - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Stand-up comic Margaret," is a classic example of a proper noun clue that tests your knowledge of pop culture. These clues are straightforward: they name a person and their profession, and you need to supply the missing part of their name. In this case, we're looking for the last name of a well-known comedian.

Clue Analysis

The clue is direct and contains no wordplay. It breaks down into two parts:

• "Stand-up comic": This defines the person's profession.
• "Margaret": This provides the person's first name.

The solver's task is to connect this information to a specific individual. The most famous stand-up comic named Margaret in American pop culture is Margaret Cho. The answer will be her surname.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, your brain's "rolodex" of famous people is your primary tool.

1. Direct Recall: The first step is to see if the name "Margaret" combined with "stand-up comic" immediately triggers a memory. For many solvers familiar with comedy, Margaret Cho will be the first and likely only name that comes to mind.

2. Leverage Crossings: If the name isn't immediately obvious, don't panic. This is where the crossword grid itself becomes your best friend. The answer is short (three letters), which means even one or two crossing letters can be incredibly helpful.

   • If you get the first letter, say 'C', you can think of three-letter last names starting with 'C'.
   • If you get the middle letter, 'H', you can test names that fit the pattern ?H?.
   • With a short answer like this, getting the crossings often makes the answer "pop" into your head.

3. Contextual Association: Think about prominent female comedians. Who are the big names? Then, filter by the first name "Margaret". This mental process can help narrow down the possibilities and jog your memory.

Background Context

Margaret Cho is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and author. She rose to prominence in the 1990s and is well-known for her candid and often controversial comedy, which frequently addresses social and political issues, including race, sexuality, and her Korean American heritage.

Her 1994 sitcom, All-American Girl, was one of the first American network television shows to feature an all-Asian cast. While the show was short-lived, it was a significant moment in television history. Cho's influence extends beyond comedy; she is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and anti-racism. Her name is a staple in modern crosswords due to her cultural significance and the friendly letter combination of her surname. You can learn more about her on her Wikipedia page.

Conclusion

This clue is a solid test of cultural literacy. While it might be a gimme for comedy fans, it's also gettable for others through the puzzle's crossing entries. Recognizing names like Margaret Cho is a key skill for becoming a proficient crossword solver, as they frequently appear in grids.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This comedian is known for her work on race, sexuality, and politics.
2. Hint 2: She is a prominent Asian American figure in entertainment.
3. Hint 3: Her first name is Margaret, and her last name is a common Korean surname.
4. Hint 4: She had a sitcom in the 1990s called "All-American Girl".

The answer is CHO.