Home for a Neanderthal - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Home for a Neanderthal," is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-style clue that relies on common cultural knowledge. It's the kind of entry that can give solvers a quick and confident start, especially in an early-week puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue breaks down very simply:

• "Home": This indicates we are looking for a type of dwelling or shelter.
• "for a Neanderthal": This specifies the inhabitant. The image of the Neanderthal, often colloquially called a "caveman," is deeply ingrained in popular culture.

Putting these two parts together, the clue directly asks for the stereotypical dwelling of a Neanderthal. The immediate and most common association is the answer.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, most solvers will likely arrive at the answer through simple word association.

1. Direct Recall: The term "caveman" exists for a reason. When you think of a Neanderthal's home, the first word that pops into your head is almost certainly the answer.
2. Keyword Association: The keyword is "Neanderthal." Brainstorming related words might look like this: prehistoric, stone tools, fire, mammoth, CAVE.
3. Using Crossings: Since the answer is a short, four-letter word, it's very gettable with just a couple of crossing letters. If you had C _ V _, the answer becomes almost undeniable.

Background Context

The association between Neanderthals and caves is a cornerstone of our popular image of prehistory. This is largely because caves provide excellent conditions for the preservation of artifacts, fossils, and other archaeological evidence. Many significant Neanderthal finds have been made in cave systems across Europe and Asia.

While they did use caves extensively for shelter, it's important to note that Neanderthals were adaptable and likely constructed other forms of shelters in open-air settings, similar to other nomadic hunter-gatherer groups. However, the "caveman" image remains powerful and is a reliable staple for crossword constructors.

Conclusion

"Home for a Neanderthal" is a perfect example of an "easy" difficulty clue. It tests general knowledge and cultural literacy rather than vocabulary or wordplay. It's a welcome foothold in any grid, allowing solvers to build momentum and tackle more complex clues.

Hints

1. Hint 1: A natural, hollowed-out space in the earth.
2. Hint 2: Often depicted as the dwelling of early humans.
3. Hint 3: Bats are famously associated with these places.
4. Hint 4: A 'man ___' is a personal retreat.

The answer is CAVE.