PUZZLE #69: Something Different

And now for something completely different.

It’s time for another “Something Different” puzzle! If you’ve never tried one before, here’s how it works: most of the answers are made-up, nonsense phrases. But you can still solve the puzzle since the short answers are often legitimate words and the crazy clues are generally straightforward enough to lead you to the correct answer. If you have the clue [Sort of like Republican presidential candidate Donald], the answer might be TRUMPISH. Just make sure to keep an open mind while you solve and, most of all, have fun with it; these are remarkably fun to write, after all.

On a more somber note, you may have heard the sad news that the crossword world lost another giant: Henry Hook recently passed away at the age of 60. I did not know him personally; I never spoke to the man in person. But I do know that he had a very, very creative imagination for puzzles. I also learned that Henry was a pioneer of the “Something Different” puzzle along with the late Merl Reagle. Obviously I owe both men a lot just for that alone. With both of these puzzle legends passing on within two months of one another — along with the fact that today’s a day for dressing up and being a little crazy anyway — today seemed like as good a day as any for a crazy crossword.

Enjoy the puzzle. Rest in peace, Henry.

(Tip of the hat to Erik Agard, whose puzzle this week has a similar shape.)