National Crossword Puzzle Day

Smartly dressed person with thick-rimmed glasses and a pencil, solving a crossword puzzle in a sunny park.. — National crossword puzzle day illustration

Are you ready to put on your thinking cap and grab a pencil? It's time to celebrate National Crossword Puzzle Day!

When is Crossword Puzzle Day?

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

The Origin of National Crossword Puzzle Day

On this delightful day, we celebrate the puzzling world of crosswords. While the exact origins of National Crossword Puzzle Day remain a bit murky, it's safe to say that crosswords have been captivating puzzle enthusiasts for over a hundred years.

The first known crossword puzzle appeared in 1913 in an issue of the New York World newspaper. Created by journalist Arthur Wynne, the grid-based game quickly gained popularity and became a regular feature in newspapers around the world. It didn't take long for crossword puzzles to become a beloved pastime, challenging our brains and keeping us entertained for hours.

Why We Love Crossword Puzzles

What is it about crossword puzzles that makes them so irresistible? Maybe it's the thrill of figuring out a clever clue, the satisfaction of filling in a word, or the mental exercise it provides. Solving a crossword puzzle is like unlocking a door to a world of words and knowledge.

Many people find solving crosswords to be a relaxing and therapeutic activity. It's a fun way to unwind, stimulate the brain, and expand your vocabulary all at once. Plus, bragging rights come with completing a particularly tricky puzzle!

Celebrating National Crossword Puzzle Day

Now that you know the origins and joys of crossword puzzles, it's time to celebrate National Crossword Puzzle Day! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Gather your favorite crossword puzzle books or print out puzzles from the internet and challenge yourself to solve them. Can you finish an entire puzzle without looking up any answers?
Organize a crossword puzzle competition with friends or family. See who can complete a puzzle the fastest or who can solve the most puzzles in a given time.
Share the crossword puzzle love by introducing someone new to the world of crosswords. Teach them how to solve a puzzle and watch their eyes light up as they discover this exciting pastime.

Did You Know?

Did you know that crossword puzzles are not just a leisure activity? They also have numerous cognitive benefits. Studies have shown that regularly engaging in crossword puzzles can improve memory, boost problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of dementia!

History behind the term 'Crossword Puzzle'

1913

Birth of the crossword puzzle

The first modern crossword puzzle was created by journalist Arthur Wynne and published in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913. Wynne's puzzle, called a 'word-cross' at the time, was diamond-shaped and featured simple word clues for the horizontal and vertical words. However, it did not include black squares or a grid pattern like modern crossword puzzles.

1924

Name change to 'crossword puzzle'

In 1924, the name of the popular word-cross puzzle was changed to 'crossword puzzle' by the Erskine Arrowroot Biscuit Company, who started publishing them as a form of advertising. This name quickly caught on, and 'crossword puzzle' became the standardized term for this type of word game.

1925

First crossword puzzle book

In 1925, the first crossword puzzle book was published by Simon & Schuster, titled 'The Cross Word Puzzle Book'. The book contained 75 puzzles and was an instant success, selling over 100,000 copies. This marked the beginning of the crossword puzzle's popularity as a form of entertainment.

1929

Creation of the first daily crossword puzzle

The first daily crossword puzzle was created by Eugene T. Maleska and launched in the New York World newspaper in 1929. This marked a significant turning point in the history of crossword puzzles, as it allowed people to enjoy these puzzles on a daily basis. The daily crossword puzzle quickly gained popularity and became a staple of newspapers around the world.

1942

Crossword puzzles used during World War II

During World War II, crossword puzzles were included in many military publications as a form of entertainment for soldiers. The puzzles provided a mental exercise and a distraction from the harsh realities of war. They also helped boost morale among the troops. Crossword puzzles became a symbol of resilience and the human spirit even in the face of adversity.

1950s

Rise of crossword puzzle dictionaries

In the 1950s, with the increasing popularity of crossword puzzles, specialized crossword puzzle dictionaries started being published. These dictionaries contained lists of words arranged alphabetically by length and provided crossword enthusiasts with a valuable tool to solve challenging puzzles. Crossword puzzle dictionaries continue to be popular resources for crossword solvers.

2006

Publication of the largest crossword puzzle

The largest crossword puzzle ever published was created by Turkish software developer Engin Iseri in 2006. This enormous puzzle had a total of 91,250 clues and covered an area of 7.1 square meters (76.5 square feet). It consisted of 28,000 squares and took approximately three months to complete. This impressive feat earned Iseri a place in the Guinness World Records.