[brackets] in crossword clues
Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:24 pm
Does anyone have a precise explanation of the significance of brackets around crossword clues? I have taken them to mean that the answer is a non-verbal sound or gesture. E.g. (from the NYT), [It’s cold!] gives BRR; [How boring] gives SNORE; [Testing testing] gives TAP TAP; and [Make it quick!] gives SNAP. However, some NYT clues seem to flip the concept: [Grrr!] gives IM SO MAD; and [Gulp!] gives OH NO.