Abruptly stops texting - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Abruptly stops texting," is a perfect example of how crossword puzzles evolve with our language. It's a direct and contemporary clue that relies on the solver's knowledge of modern slang, particularly terms that have emerged from the world of digital communication and online dating.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a straightforward definition. Let's break it down:

• "Abruptly stops": This points to a sudden, unexplained cessation of an activity.
• "texting": This specifies the context. We're not just talking about ending any communication, but specifically digital messaging.

The answer will be a verb that encapsulates this entire concept. The final 'S' in the answer GHOSTS indicates a third-person singular present tense verb, as in "He/She ghosts someone."

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, a few strategies can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Association: The most direct path is recognizing the phrase as the definition of a specific, modern term. If you're familiar with online culture, the term for this behavior might immediately come to mind.
2. Brainstorming: If the term isn't immediately obvious, you could brainstorm related ideas. What are ways to say someone "ignores you online" or "disappears from a conversation"? Words like ignores, blanks, or cuts off are in the right ballpark, but they don't quite capture the specific nuance of vanishing completely.
3. Consider the Source: This is a New York Times puzzle, which often incorporates contemporary language. This should prime you to think about recent additions to the English lexicon.
4. Use the Crossings: In a crossword, you're never solving in a vacuum. If you had a few crossing letters, like a G at the beginning and an S at the end, the answer would likely click into place much faster.

Background Context

The term ghosting refers to the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. While the concept isn't new, the term itself gained widespread popularity in the mid-2010s, coinciding with the rise of online dating apps.

The metaphor is clear: the person has vanished from your life as if they were a ghost. It's a concise and evocative word that perfectly describes a very specific, and often frustrating, social phenomenon.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of a modern, relevant puzzle entry. It's considered easy for those who are up-to-date with internet slang but could be a small hurdle for others. Its inclusion shows that crossword constructors are always listening to how language is being used in the real world, making the puzzles a living reflection of our culture.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This action is a well-known modern dating phenomenon.
2. Hint 2: It involves suddenly ceasing all communication without any explanation.
3. Hint 3: The term has a double meaning, also relating to spooky apparitions.
4. Hint 4: It's the verb form of what you might see in a haunted house.

The answer to "Abruptly stops texting" is GHOSTS.