Monday, October 26, 2009 (DT 25950)

This puzzle was originally published Tuesday, June 9, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

The Brit's might describe today's puzzle as a gentle diversion - not very difficult but with a few clues containing some fairly good wordplay. But, then again, they might have quite a different assessment of it. A couple of clues did bring a bit of a smile to my face - but perhaps for a reason unintended by the setter.

Today's Glossary

Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle

dick - Brit. a stupid or contemptible person

Recorder - (noun, defn. 3) in England and Wales, a barrister appointed to serve as a part-time judge

smallsat - a small satellite

Today's Links

Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 25950].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

7d Tess and I go crazy for clever dicks! (7)

I must admit that this clue caused me to smile a little. In North America, dick is one of the most commonly used slang expressions for the penis. It is so commonly used, in fact, that it has virtually swamped out any other meaning for the word. It would appear from the entries in Oxford and Chambers that, while dick can have this same connotation in Britain, it is also common to see it used in a less vulgar sense. Even in the expression, "He's a clever dick." I don't believe the word loses this connotation in North America. It's like saying of someone, "He's a decent prick." (yet another slang term for the male genitalia).

Moreover, the word beaver (a slang expression for the female genitalia) appears in clue 4d. Beaver is less commonly used in this vulgar slang sense than dick, and - in most cases - its appearance in a puzzle would probably not even bring to mind this meaning. However, when juxtaposed against clue 7d, the association becomes more difficult to avoid.

16d Horned elk and ox stampeded (8)

I could find no dictionary showing klaxon as a verb; but, then again, it wouldn't be the first noun to be verbified.

Signing off for today - Falcon