Person of the year, for short? NYT Crossword Clue
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In crossword puzzles, the clue “Person of the year, for short?” typically leads to the four-letter answer “ALUM.”
The term “alum” is a shortened form of “alumnus” (male) or “alumna” (female), referring to a graduate or former student of a particular school, college, or university.
The clue plays on the phrase “Person of the year,” which is commonly associated with Time magazine’s annual feature highlighting an individual who has significantly influenced events in the past year.
However, in this crossword context, the clue uses wordplay to direct solvers toward a different interpretation.
The phrase “Person of the year” can also refer to someone who has been honored by their alma mater as “Alumnus/Alumna of the Year,” recognizing their achievements post-graduation.
The addition of “for short” in the clue indicates that the answer should be an abbreviated form, leading to “alum.”
Crossword clues often employ such wordplay, requiring solvers to think beyond the most obvious associations.
In this instance, the clue cleverly redirects from the well-known “Person of the Year” title to a more nuanced interpretation related to academic honors.
Understanding common abbreviations and alternative meanings is essential for solving crossword puzzles, as constructors frequently use misdirection to challenge solvers.
Recognizing that “Person of the year” could pertain to an “Alumnus/Alumna of the Year” allows solvers to make the connection to “alum.”
This clue exemplifies the layered thinking often required in crossword puzzles, where solvers must consider multiple interpretations and wordplays to arrive at the correct answer.