The New York Times crossword puzzle is known for its challenging clues and clever wordplay. In 2018, a clue caught the attention of college sports fans and crossword enthusiasts alike. The clue was "Collegiate rodent mascot," and the answer turned out to be "Bucky Badger," the official mascot of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This crossword clue sparked a lot of curiosity and discussion. Many people were familiar with Bucky Badger and recognized the reference immediately. However, some crossword solvers were surprised to learn that Bucky Badger is a rodent.
However, some crossword solvers were surprised to learn that Bucky Badger is a rodent. The mascot, which has been cheering on Wisconsin sports teams since 1940, is actually based on a badger, not a rodent. Badgers are members of the weasel family, not rodents.
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The crossword clue's wording also raised questions about what constitutes a "rodent mascot." According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a rodent is defined as "a mammal with a single pair of incisors in the upper and lower jaws, and which can chew through inedible material such as wood." By this definition, badgers do not qualify as rodents. Despite the debate around the accuracy of the clue, it remains a memorable moment in crossword puzzle history. The clue showcased the power of language and the ability to create intriguing and sometimes misleading associations. Crossword puzzles often rely on wordplay and clever tricks to challenge solvers' thinking. In this case, the reference to a "collegiate rodent mascot" served as a fun and unexpected twist that stumped some solvers while delighting others. In conclusion, the mention of the "collegiate rodent mascot" in a New York Times crossword puzzle led to a lively discussion about the accuracy of the clue and the nature of mascots. While the clue may not have been entirely accurate in its description of Bucky Badger, it served as a reminder of the creativity and linguistic tricks present in crossword puzzles..
Reviews for "The Story Behind the Collegiate Rodent Mascots in NYT Crossword Puzzles"
- John - 1 out of 5 stars
I found the "Collegiate Rodent Mascot" NYT crossword puzzle to be incredibly frustrating and confusing. The clues were convoluted and lacked clarity, making it nearly impossible for me to fill in the grid. Additionally, the theme of the puzzle felt forced and uninspired, and it didn't engage me as a solver. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this crossword and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable solving experience.
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
I have been solving crossword puzzles for years, but "Collegiate Rodent Mascot" NYT crossword puzzle was one of the most challenging and cryptic ones I've encountered. The clues were excessively tricky and often required a deep knowledge of obscure facts and references. As a casual solver, this made the puzzle feel exclusionary and frustratingly unapproachable. I believe crossword puzzles should be enjoyable for a wide range of solvers, but this one missed the mark for me.
- Robert - 1 out of 5 stars
I consider myself an avid crossword enthusiast, but the "Collegiate Rodent Mascot" NYT crossword puzzle was simply a letdown. The clues were unnecessarily convoluted and relied heavily on obscure trivia, which made solving the puzzle more of a chore than an enjoyable pastime. I also found the theme to be uninteresting and lacking in creativity. Overall, I would not recommend this crossword to anyone looking for a fun and engaging solving experience.