10 Must-Know Crossword Puzzle Terms for Every Solver

Mastering crosswords isn’t solely about intelligence—it’s about practice and familiarity with recurring patterns and techniques. In The Crossword of the Century, Alan Connor dedicates a portion of his 100-year history of the puzzle to "terms that appear more frequently in crosswords than in everyday language." While some words like era, area, and one are ubiquitous in both realms, others seem to exist solely to challenge solvers, often finding their way onto the pages of newspapers or magazines.

1. ALEE

A 14th-century term describing the side of a ship sheltered from the wind.

2. ARGO

Argo, a name shared by a 2012 movie and a cornstarch product, also refers to the vessel Jason and the Argonauts used in their quest for the Golden Fleece, as well as a southern hemisphere constellation.

3. ASEA

A term from the 1800s signifying “on the ocean.”

4. EMU

Vowel-rich terms are a staple in crosswords, as Connor highlights. While the flightless bird is well-known, alternatives like eau (French for water) and ECU (the European Currency Unit, which preceded the euro) are equally common in puzzles.

5. ERATO

A beloved figure among the Greek muses, she stands out due to the abundance of vowels in her name and the dual meaning of "muse," which shifts depending on its use as a verb or noun.

6. IAMBI

While Shakespeare popularized iambic pentameter, its origins trace back to the Greeks. Given its frequent appearance, it’s clear that familiarity with ancient Greek culture is a valuable asset for crossword enthusiasts.

7. PSST

Psst: this term can be challenging as it lacks vowels. Words composed entirely of consonants are rare beyond a few letters, though abbreviations often serve as substitutes in puzzles.

8. SMEE

Primarily linked to Mr. Smee, Captain Hook’s loyal sidekick in Peter Pan, the word can also denote a type of duck, connecting themes of water and a shared sense of being overlooked.

9. SOHO

Both London and New York boast neighborhoods with this name, but in the 1800s, it also served as an exclamation (often used when someone spotted a hare).

10. STYE

This term might cause confusion both in crosswords and medical settings. The red, tender bump that appears on or near the eyelid is also notorious for its spelling variations, sometimes missing the "e." To add to the complexity, "sty" can also refer to a pigpen.