The New York Times crossword puzzle is a popular daily puzzle that has been published since 1942. It is known for its clever clues, creative themes, and high standards of construction. One of the unique features of the NYT crossword is the rebus button.
What is a rebus?
A rebus is a type of wordplay puzzle that uses symbols or pictures in place of certain words or parts of words. For example, a rebus clue might be “HEART” with a picture of a heart symbol instead of the word “heart.”
Rebuses are used in crossword puzzles to fit more than one letter into a single square. This allows constructors to introduce creative themes and longer words into the grid. The rebus button on the NYT crossword is used to indicate when a rebus is present in the puzzle.
Where is the rebus button located?
The rebus button on the online NYT crossword puzzle is located at the top right of the puzzle grid. It is represented by a square icon with an “R” in the center. On the newspaper or printable version of the puzzle, there will be circles labeled “Rebus” anywhere a rebus appears in the grid.
When to use the rebus button
The rebus button should be clicked whenever you come across a seemingly incorrect or nonsensical answer in the grid. This will reveal that a rebus has been used in that square. Some common examples include:
- Seeing a number like “6” or “8” in place of a letter
- A symbol or picture in place of a letter like a heart or arrow
- Letters that don’t seem to fit with the across or down clues
Once you click the rebus button, the correct rebus symbol will be revealed, clarifying the intention of the clue. The rebus button takes you out of normal spelling conventions, signaling that you need to think outside the box.
Why are rebuses used in crosswords?
Here are some common reasons constructors use rebuses in their puzzles:
- To fit longer words in the grid – For example, using a 12 instead of the full “twelve.”
- To allow creative clueing – Rebuses open up more figurative or cryptic clue possibilities.
- To adhere to symmetry rules – Rebuses can help constructors achieve the expected level of symmetry.
- To introduce fun themes – Rebuses lend themselves to lighthearted or visual themes and puns.
When used judiciously, rebuses can make crosswords more vibrant, varied, and entertaining to solve. The rebus button gives solvers a helpful nudge when they need to move from literal to figurative thinking.
Examples of rebuses in NYT crossword puzzles
Here are some examples of creative rebuses that have appeared in the NYT crossword:
- A shopping bag symbol (“$”) in place of the word “BUYS”
- An arrow symbol (“”) in the answer “ONEWAY”
- The percent symbol (%) instead of “PERCENTAGE”
- The male symbol () cluing “HES”
- The letter duo of “RR” in place of “RAILROAD”
These types of non-standard entries are made possible with the rebus button. The button serves as instructions to the solver to think flexibly about the grid.
How rebuses work in the NYT crossword
There are some key rules governing how rebuses are used in the NYT crossword:
- A rebus square only ever contains a single symbol or number.
- Standard across and down rules still apply – rebuses must work with clues normally.
- Rebuses can only be used to replace a single word/part of a word per answer.
- The constructor can use multiple unique rebuses in a single puzzle.
- Rebus squares are always circled or specially marked in the grid.
These conventions keep rebuses constrained as special elements within the puzzle. The rebus button indicates that solvers should temporarily view the grid through a more flexible lens when interpreting the clues.
Difficulty of rebus puzzles
In general, puzzles featuring rebuses tend to be more difficult than standard crosswords. Here are some reasons why:
- They require flexibility of thinking and willingness to break spelling rules.
- There is often wordplay in the clues hinting at the rebus that is cryptic.
- Solvers need to deduce where and how the rebus symbols apply.
- Rebuses can enable more obscure vocabulary to be used.
For these reasons, constructors will often save rebuses for larger puzzles like Saturdays that offer a stiffer challenge. The rebus button is an important helper for solvers adjusting to these non-standard elements.
Origin of the rebus button
The specific rebus button first appeared when the NYT crossword moved online exclusively in 2008. Previously in print, rebus squares had always been circled, but now there needed to be a digital indicator.
The online crossword mode enabled innovations like the rebus button to make solving more interactive. Clickable buttons offered clearer signaling to solvers than what could be conveyed on static newspaper pages.
Since its debut, the rebus button has become a signature feature of the digital NYT crossword. It preserves the tradition of rebus puzzles from print, while giving solvers an on-demand indicator for when to apply more flexible interpretation. The rebus button is an iconic part of the crossword solving experience for millions of subscribers.
Rebus button etiquette
When approaching rebus puzzles, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t click the rebus button indiscriminately – Only use it when answers don’t seem to make sense.
- Take time to analyze the clues before using the button as a last resort.
- Enjoy the eureka moment when you crack the rebus without the button.
- Think creatively and outside-the-box when you hit a rebus roadblock.
- Appreciate the constructor’s wordplay – rebuses add fun and surprise!
With practice, your brain can adapt to the rebus mindset and make these creative puzzles all the more enjoyable. The rebus button provides a helpful fallback when you need it.
Conclusion
The rebus button is an iconic feature of the NYT crossword that provides an important aid for solvers. When used thoughtfully, it enables creative rebus puzzles that would not be possible otherwise. The button prompts solvers to move beyond literal interpretation when needed to unlock the constructor’s intended answers.
Rebuses bring added vibrancy and brain-bending fun to crosswords. The rebus button makes this novelty approachable for solvers so they can enjoy the wordplay. It is a small but mighty feature that symbolizes the puzzle’s blend of education and entertainment.