Word Before Coffee or Catholic
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Word before coffee or Catholic” is “Irish.”
In this context, “Irish” commonly precedes both “coffee” and “Catholic.”
An “Irish coffee” is a popular cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with cream.
The term “Irish Catholic” refers to individuals who are both Irish by nationality or heritage and adhere to the Roman Catholic faith.
The New York Times crossword, first published in 1942, is renowned for its clever and often challenging clues.
Clues like “Word before coffee or Catholic” require solvers to think about common phrases or expressions where a single word fits both contexts.
In this case, “Irish” is the word that logically completes both “Irish coffee” and “Irish Catholic.”
Such clues test a solver’s ability to recognize and connect different uses of a word, enhancing the puzzle’s complexity and enjoyment.