The world of crossword puzzles is undergoing a transformation, with a new generation of constructors bringing their own unique flair to the age-old game. Gone are the days of faceless clues and strict definitions – now, crosswords are a reflection of the person behind the puzzle.
In a recent crossword puzzle, clues like “WET and dry food (categories I will now be using to describe human food. Oh, so suddenly it’s weird?)” and “TikTok videos of ‘Family Guy’ clips accompanied by Subway Surfers gameplay, e.g.” are shaking up the traditional format. These clues, along with references to Lili Elbe, a pioneering trans woman, are just a few examples of how crosswords are evolving to reflect the interests and identities of their creators.
Paolo Pasco, the winner of this year’s American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, describes modern crosswords as “diaristic,” offering insights into the mind of the constructor. For Ada Nicolle, a transgender constructor, crosswords have become a platform for self-expression and advocacy. By including words like “gender euphoria” in her puzzles, Nicolle aims to shape the way people see the world.
The rise of Gen Z constructors has brought a wave of innovation to the crossword world. Platforms like Wordlisted, created by 22-year-old software engineer Adam Aaronson, are changing the way puzzles are constructed and shared. Online forums like Crosscord provide a space for crossword enthusiasts to connect, share tips, and even collaborate on puzzles.
As more young people discover a love for crosswords, the community is growing both online and in print. College newspapers are now featuring full-fledged puzzle sections, with student editors and constructors at the helm. This new generation of constructors is pushing boundaries and challenging expectations, creating puzzles that are funny, current, and nostalgic all at once.
With the release of her upcoming book, “A-to-Gen Z Crosswords: 72 Puzzles That Hit Different,” Ada Nicolle is leading the charge for a new era of crossword puzzles. As she puts it, “There should be hard crossword puzzles for people like me, that are funny and the references are current and they’re nostalgic toward the 2000s and early 2010s.” The crossword puzzle may be an age-old tradition, but in the hands of Gen Z, it’s getting a fresh and exciting makeover.
