“That feels incredible!” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "“That feels incredible!”", is a classic example of a crossword puzzle asking you to think literally. Instead of looking for a synonym or a complex piece of wordplay, the clue is simply asking for the sound someone would make in this situation. It's a fun, accessible clue that often serves as a great entry point into a puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The most important feature of this clue is the quotation marks. In crosswords, quotes are a strong signal that the answer is a spoken utterance, an exclamation, or a sound. The phrase itself, "That feels incredible!", conveys a sense of deep satisfaction, pleasure, or relief. The puzzle isn't asking for a word that means "incredible"; it's asking for the reaction to that feeling. The answer is the audible sigh of contentment one might let out.

Thinking Approaches

1. Sound Association: The most direct path to the answer is to imagine a scenario where you'd say this. Picture yourself getting a fantastic back massage or sinking into a hot bath. What sound naturally comes out? It's a relaxed, open-mouthed sigh of pleasure.

2. Pattern Recognition: Experienced solvers will immediately recognize this as a clue for a short, common interjection. If you know the answer is three letters long, you can cycle through the usual suspects: OOH, OHO, AWW, AHA, and AAH. Of these, AAH is the one most directly associated with contentment and relief.

3. Crossings and "Crosswordese": This type of answer is a staple of crossword construction, often referred to as crosswordese. These are short, vowel-heavy words that help constructors fill out the grid. If you have a letter or two from crossing clues, answers like AAH often become obvious very quickly.

Background Context

The word "AAH" is a versatile and beloved entry in the crossword world. Its simple, vowel-heavy structure makes it incredibly useful for puzzle makers. It can be clued in many ways, all revolving around a sound or exclamation:

• "Sound at a spa"
• "Sigh of relief"
• "What to say for the doctor"
• "Cry of delight"

Its frequent appearance makes it a word that new solvers learn to spot quickly, turning a potentially tricky clue into a confident fill.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect illustration of how crosswords play with language in its simplest forms. By putting a common feeling into quotes, the puzzle prompts us to provide the sound of that feeling. It's a gentle and satisfying clue that reminds us that not every answer is a vocabulary test; sometimes, it's just about a simple, human "AAH."

Hints

1. Hint 1: An exclamation of pleasure or relief.
2. Hint 2: Often associated with a spa treatment or a relaxing moment.
3. Hint 3: A sound made with an open mouth, like for a doctor.
4. Hint 4: This three-letter word is a classic piece of "crosswordese".

The answer is AAH.