Esfeet: A Deceptive Delight in the World of Crosswords -

The world of crosswords is a haven for wordplay enthusiasts. Every puzzle brings a fresh challenge, testing vocabulary, logic, and the ability to think outside the box. But sometimes, a seemingly simple word can leave even the most seasoned puzzlers scratching their heads. Enter “esfeet,” a word that has emerged as a surprising trickster in recent crossword history.

What is Esfeet?

“Esfeet” is not a word found in any standard dictionary. It’s a clever creation specific to the world of crosswords, formed by taking the plural of “foot” (“feet”) and removing the middle letter “e.” This manipulation results in a new word that fits the crossword clue but doesn’t hold any independent meaning outside the puzzle.

The Origin Story of Esfeet

The first documented appearance of “esfeet” seems to be in a New York Times (NYT) Sunday crossword puzzle published on October 1, 2023. The clue was “drag one’s feet” (11 letters), with a hidden theme related to the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” By cleverly hiding “dragon” within the clue (14 letters), the answer became “esfeet,” leaving just the remaining letters.

This instance of esfeet sparked discussion within the crossword community. Reddit threads like ” showcased the confusion and amusement the word generated. While some solvers readily identified the answer based on the crosses (intersecting words), others struggled to accept a non-existent word.

Why Use Esfeet in a Crossword?

The use of “esfeet” in a crossword serves several purposes:

Challenge: It provides a twist for experienced solvers, pushing them beyond basic vocabulary knowledge and towards creative thinking.
Theme Integration: As seen in the NYT example, it can be used to cleverly integrate a theme within the puzzle.
Wordplay Opportunity: It opens doors for wordplay possibilities, allowing constructors to create more intricate and engaging clues.

However, the use of invented words like “esfeet” can also be a source of debate.

Criticisms of Invented Words in Crosswords

Some argue that using non-dictionary words detracts from the spirit of a crossword puzzle. A true test of vocabulary, they believe, should rely on existing words. Additionally, invented words can be exclusionary, creating an obstacle for new solvers unfamiliar with such wordplay tactics.

Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of using invented words like esfeet in crosswords:

Pros	Cons
Challenge for experienced solvers	Difficult for new solvers
Theme integration opportunities	Detracts from the spirit of a true vocabulary test
Wordplay possibilities	Feels like a cheap trick

Ultimately, the decision to include invented words rests with the individual crossword constructor.

Esfeet and Beyond: Other Invented Words in Crosswords

Esfeet isn’t the only invented word to appear in crosswords. Here are some other examples:

Kloots: This term, used in a Wall Street Journal puzzle, referred to a type of Dutch wooden shoe game, but wasn’ clued in a way that made it seem like a real word.
Quiplash: This fictional game show title was used in a Los Angeles Times puzzle.
Zax: This nonsensical word appeared in a NYT puzzle, clued as “something you might find in a toolbox.”

These examples showcase the creativity of crossword constructors, but also highlight the potential for confusion.

How to Solve for Esfeet and Similar Words

Even though esfeet isn’t a real word, there are strategies to solve for it in a crossword:

Pay Attention to Crosses: The intersecting words in the puzzle provide the most crucial clues. If the letters crossing esfeet all make sense, it might indicate a wordplay trick.
Consider the Clue: The clue itself might offer hints. Look for puns, wordplay, or hidden themes that could explain the unusual answer.
Think Outside the Box: Don’t be afraid to break away from traditional dictionary definitions and explore word manipulation possibilities.