by Bethany Jett, @BetJett
Today is National Crossword Puzzle Day – a wonderful day for word-lovers! Some of my favorite word-games include Balderdash, Taboo, Scrabble, the original Slingo, and I found a free giant crossword puzzle app that my husband and I are now racing to fill in. Oh…and who can forget the most popular children’s word game ever: Hangman.
In honor of an entire 24-hour period that celebrates wordsmiths, I’ve put together a list of fun facts and awesome online word games for your enjoyment!
Did You Know…
The first crossword puzzle was printed by the Sunday New York World and it was called a “word-cross.” Source: Buzzfeed
Also according to Buzzfeed, the New York Times pays $200 for weekday puzzles and $1,000 for Sunday puzzles. Hmmm…
That little fact led me to check out the New York Times site for myself. Turns out, that might just be right, according to an article entitled “What the Puzzle Master Looks For.”
Back to fun facts…
The shape of the first crossword puzzle was a diamond. Source: Fun Trivia
The largest crossword, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is 7’x7’ in size and has 28,000 clues. Source: Clue Detective Puzzles Online.
Our last fun fact is a sad one. According to BrainHQ.com, doing crossword puzzles do not keep your brain young. I’m sure there are plenty of studies that say the opposite, but their article was interesting. Check it out here.
Online Crosswords
Please note: This list may contain both free and pay-to-play games.
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword
The Washington Post Daily Crossword
[reminder]Do you love crosswords? What is your favorite word-game or word-game app?[/reminder]
Bethany Jett is an award-winning author of The Cinderella Rule, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink, a consulting and editing company. She has written for numerous publications, created the My Moments Planner, Serious Writer Companion, and is the founder of Serious Writer Academy and the Build Your Brand Program. Her newest work, Through the Eyes of Hope releases January 2017.
Bethany is a military wife and all-boys-mama who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She writes on living a brilliant life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram (new profile), and Twitter.
The Conversation
How great to have a whole day to celebrate crosswords. They are an addiction for me.
Whenever I fly I actually pay for a copy of USA Today simply to do the puzzle. *sigh
Hi Bethany, Thanks so much for letting us know about National Crossword Day. We will certainly make a point of letting our puzzlers know about this year’s event.