You are highly intelligent or elegantly dressed (5).
Can you find the answer to the above puzzle within the clue?
Read on if you're feeling a little puzzled.
Cryptic puzzles are puzzles that have hidden meanings, and word puzzles with hidden meanings are called cryptic word puzzles. These word games have their own distinct rules, and different types of clues hide the puzzle's answer in their own way.
The following terminologies call out some intriguing features for wordplay—especially of the cryptic type.
answer. The solution word or phrase that satisfies both the definition and the wordplay.
clue. The cryptic hint combining a definition and wordplay that leads the solver to the answer.
cryptic genre. A puzzle style where every clue uses deceptive wordplay plus a definition.
definition. The part of the clue that directly or indirectly gives the meaning of the answer, often at the start or end.
enumeration. The number or numbers within a parenthetical that show the answer's letter count, which helps the solver to determine the word.
homograph. A word that looks the same as another word but sounds different and carries another meaning.
homonym. An umbrella term for words that share spelling (homograph) or pronunciation (homophone) but differ in meaning.
homophone. A word that sounds the same as another word but is spelled differently and carries another meaning.
indicator. A word signaling the type of wordplay to apply.
solver. A person who tackles puzzles, like cryptic wordplay puzzles.
surface reading. The misleading, everyday meaning of the clue that disguises the cryptic intent; not to be taken literally.
wordplay. The part of the clue that manipulates letters or words to reach the answer, separate from the definition.
Wordplay is any creative manipulation of language for effect, often playful and overt. Cryptic wordplay is a distinct, structured form that uses recognized conventions to embed a hidden solution within ordinary‑looking phrasing.
While general wordplay aims at immediate wit, cryptic wordplay deliberately obscures the answer, relying on the solver’s knowledge of the coded rules to tease it out.
This website explores many types of cryptic wordplay clue types, including:
Terminologies and examples are great, but if you're the type who likes to dive right in, then Cryptic Brain Teasers is where you should go next.
All cryptic wordplay puzzles use deceptive wordplay plus a definition.
Both charades and double meaning clue types form the answer by linking multiple components without altering letters. But each type of clue has its differences, too.