Word of the Day: Crossword

Crossword or cross word? One word or two? Um-m-m-m? Don't 'cross' words result in anger going against, often insulting someone? No insults here. Let's examine the two words together as one to clear up any confusion. No need in getting cross trying to figure it out. Today's word represents a mind bender, a great challenge, a terrific educational tool and a lot of fun! Its the Crossword...Puzzle, that is!

This Day in History: December 21, 1913

Embrace the Past...
 

Do you know the name for a person who is a crossword puzzle creator? Hint: It is a 14-letter word. Of course, you can always Google it but to save time, here is the answer:

cru·ci·ver·bal·ist  (krs-vûrb-lst)

n.

1. A constructor of crosswords.

2. An enthusiast of word games, especially of crosswords.

A crossword is a word puzzle that normally takes the form of a square or a rectangular grid of white and black shaded squares. The goal is to fill the white squares with letters, forming words or phrases, by solving clues which lead to the answers. [Source: wikipedia.org]

The first crossword puzzle published
in The New York World on Dec. 21, 1913

Crossword puzzles are said to be the most popular and widespread word game in the world, yet have a short history [Brief History of Crosswords]. Crosswords have evolved into the world's most perennial passing fad. A cruciverbalist from Liverpool by the name of Arthur Wynne is credited with creating the first crossword puzzle. December 21, 1913 was the date and it appeared in a Sunday newspaper, the New York World.

Wynne created the page of puzzles for the "Fun" section of the Sunday edition of the New York World. For the December 21, 1913, edition, he introduced a puzzle with a diamond shape and a hollow center, the letters F-U-N already being filled in. He called it a "Word-Cross Puzzle." ... A few weeks after the first "Word-Cross" appeared, the name of the puzzle was changed to "Cross-Word" as a result of a typesetting error. Wynne's puzzles have been known as "crosswords" ever since.

Empower the Present...

Need something to entertain your kids other than the TV, iPhone, iPad or computer? Put a crossword puzzle in their hands and challenge their minds! Test their vocabulary skills while adding to their vocabulary bank. Better still, challenge them to creating a crossword puzzle.

Enrich the Future...

There was a point in time when everyone agreed crossword puzzles were a ridiculous craze. Question for you: eight-letter word for wrong? "Mistaken!" The future of crosswords is set as long as there is a thirst for learning, a need for a challenge to be met, a source of entertainment, etc. 

Do you commute to work? Pick up a crossword magazine, book or a newspaper. Complete one of the crosswords while on the train, subway or riding in an automobile. Just don't try to work it if you are the driver!

Happy crosswording & Happy 102nd Anniversary to the crossword puzzle!  

Anyone know a 7-letter word for mysterious? By the way, strange, curious, or bizarre doesn't fit. Of course, its placement in the crossword is the decisive factor since there are many possibilities!
 

Everyone agreed that crossword puzzles were a ridiculous craze, soon to be forgotten.
Anybody - eight-letter word for wrong? "Mistaken."
- See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/news/236732391_Crossword_puzzles_celebrate_100th_anniversary_Saturday.html#sthash.pNU1z4Ih.dpuf