National Crossword Day

A person holding a crossword puzzle in one hand, concentration on their face, sitting in a cozy café setting.. — National crossword day illustration

Welcome to National Crossword Day! Get ready for a day of fun, frustration, and a whole lot of brain-teasing. Whether you're a casual puzzle enthusiast or a crossword connoisseur, this national day is the perfect excuse to grab a pen, sharpen your wits, and dive headfirst into the world of wordplay.

When is Crossword Day?

It's national crossword day on the 21st December.

The History of National Crossword Day

Every year on December 21st, word lovers and puzzle enthusiasts come together to celebrate National Crossword Day. But how did this puzzling holiday come to be? Well, let's dive into the internet history and find out!

Back in 2015, the internet was abuzz with mentions of National Crossword Day. Social media feeds were flooded with people talking about their love for crossword puzzles and sharing their favorite clues and answers. It quickly became clear that there was a need for a day dedicated to this beloved pastime.

The origins of National Crossword Day can be traced back to the humble beginnings of the internet itself. As people began to connect online and share their common interests, it became apparent that crossword puzzles were a widespread passion. So, on December 21st, 2015, the internet collectively decided to make it official and declared it National Crossword Day.

How to Celebrate National Crossword Day

Now that you know the history, it's time to dive into the fun stuff - how to celebrate National Crossword Day! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Grab a newspaper or a crossword magazine and solve a puzzle or two. Don't worry if you get stuck - that's all part of the fun!
Challenge your family and friends to a crossword contest. See who can finish a puzzle the fastest or who can come up with the most creative answers.
Try your hand at creating your own crossword puzzle. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover a hidden talent for crafting tricky clues.
Join an online crossword community and engage in lively discussions about your favorite puzzles and clues.
Go old-school and solve a crossword puzzle in print, or embrace technology and try out a crossword app or website.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first crossword puzzle was created by Arthur Wynne and was published in the Sunday edition of the New York World on December 21, 1913? That's right, National Crossword Day coincides with the anniversary of the very first crossword puzzle!

History behind the term 'Crossword'

1913

The birth of the word 'crossword'

The term 'crossword' was first recorded in 1913, coined by Arthur Wynne, a British-born journalist and puzzle constructor who worked for the New York World. He is often credited with creating the first known crossword puzzle, which was published on December 21, 1913. The puzzle was diamond-shaped and contained mostly simple word clues, resembling what we now know as a 'crossword'.

1924

The first crossword dictionary

In 1924, almost a decade after the birth of the word 'crossword,' the first crossword dictionary was published. Titled 'Crossword Puzzle Dictionary,' it was authored by Margaret Petherbridge Farrar, who later became the first editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle. This dictionary helped puzzle enthusiasts find solutions to crossword clues and further popularized the term 'crossword' as it became an essential tool for puzzlers.

1925

The first crossword in The New York Times

The New York Times, one of the most prominent newspapers in the United States, published its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1925. The puzzle was designed by Arthur Wynne, the same person who created the first-known crossword puzzle back in 1913. This publication marked a significant milestone in the history of the 'crossword,' introducing it to a wider audience and solidifying its popularity as a favorite pastime.

1942

Rationing and crossword popularity during World War II

During World War II, crossword puzzle popularity soared, especially in Britain and the United States. The rationing of newspapers and increased leisure time for soldiers and civilians led to a surge in crossword-solving. The British government even encouraged crossword usage as a way to boost morale among the troops. Crossword puzzles provided a welcome distraction and mental exercise during challenging times, cementing their place in popular culture.

2006

The crossword's digital revolution

With the advent of the internet and digital technology, crosswords underwent a significant transformation. Online crossword puzzles became widely accessible, enabling enthusiasts to solve puzzles from anywhere and at any time. The digital medium also allowed for more interactive and dynamic puzzles with enhanced graphics and functionality. Additionally, crossword-solving communities and forums formed, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts worldwide. The internet revolutionized the crossword experience, ensuring its continued relevance in the modern age.