Say "Oh, my God!," say - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Say 'Oh, my God!,' say," is a fantastic example of a common crossword construction that asks solvers to think associatively. At first glance, it might seem a bit confusing, but once you decode the structure, the answer becomes clear. It's less about what is said and more about how it's said or what happens when you say it.

Clue Analysis

Let's break this clue down into its two key parts:

1. "Say 'Oh, my God!,'": This is the core of the clue. The phrase "Oh, my God!" is a common exclamation used to express a strong emotion, typically shock, surprise, awe, or horror.
2. ", say": This is the crucial crossword convention. In this context, "say" acts like "for example" or "perhaps." It signals that the answer isn't a synonym for the quoted phrase, but rather an example of something related to it.

So, the clue is not asking for another way to say "Oh, my God!". Instead, it's asking: "What is a sound or action that might accompany the exclamation 'Oh, my God!'?" The answer is a physical reaction to the feeling that prompts the exclamation.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, here are a few ways to approach it:

1. Focus on the Qualifier: Immediately recognize that ", say" (or ", for one," or ", perhaps") changes the game. You're looking for an example or an associated concept, not a direct definition.
2. Act It Out: Imagine a scenario where you would genuinely exclaim, "Oh, my God!". Picture seeing something shocking or unbelievable. What does your body do? You might put a hand to your mouth, your eyes might widen, and you would likely take a sharp, sudden intake of breath.
3. Word Association: Brainstorm words related to "shock" and "surprise." Words like shudder, shriek, jolt, or startle might come to mind. Think about the physical sounds associated with these feelings. A sharp intake of breath is a primary one.
4. Use the Crossings: As always, if you're unsure, wait for some crossing letters. If you have a four-letter answer that looks like _A_P, the answer becomes much easier to spot.

Background Context

The use of "say" as a qualifier is a staple in American-style crosswords. It allows constructors to create more interesting and indirect clues. Without it, the clue "Say 'Oh, my God!'" would be much harder to parse and might point toward a different kind of answer entirely (like PRAY or EXCLAIM). This small, two-letter word provides the necessary signpost for the solver to shift their thinking from definitional to associative.

Conclusion

This clue is a neat and tidy package that tests a fundamental crossword-solving skill: recognizing and interpreting cluing conventions. By understanding that "say" means "for example," the solver can correctly connect the exclamation of shock to the physical reaction of taking a sharp, audible breath. It's a classic clue type that feels very satisfying to solve.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about a physical reaction to something shocking or surprising.
2. Hint 2: This reaction involves a sudden intake of breath.
3. Hint 3: It's a sound you might make when you're startled or horrified.
4. Hint 4: This word can also mean to struggle for breath.

The answer is GASP.