Old-fashioned crossword clues: mix-up overawes Fagin (1, 5, 2, 5)
Thanks for your article on cryptic crosswords containing archaic references (Less Elvis, more Taylor Swift: a clue for ‘dated’ cryptic crossword setters, 19 June). We were pleased to note that any failings in solving your daily cryptic crossword are due to our not having been to Eton, played cricket or owned an Elvis album rather than any shortcomings in our mental faculties.
Michael Teare and Pamela Sanders
South Molton, Devon
• I read the article about crosswords with interest. I believe I have noticed a trend in Guardian crosswords of more modern language and concepts than might be familiar to us over-80s. Of course you want to attract a younger, more diverse generation of puzzlers, but please don’t risk losing us oldies. Perhaps an entirely new “old fogey” crossword with a bit of Latin and Victorian poetry?
Frances Worsley
Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire
• As a long-serving pub quiz host to teams who seem to grow more youthful by the week, I can confirm that this phenomenon has spread beyond the world of crosswords. Younger players will often excuse their lack of knowledge about late 20th-century trivia by pointing out they were only born in 2002 – but ask them how many wives Henry VIII had and suddenly they’re all high-fiving each other. I was born in 1979, but I still know the surnames of the star of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and who wrote Gulliver’s Trav… hang on a minute…
Thom Harris
London
• Thank you for the illuminating article on crossword compilers. I think the quick crossword may often be created by a retired RAF chaplain with a penchant for dressmaking. Am I right?
Jaki Brien
Neston, Cheshire
• Surely “Bad Tory law fits US singer (6,5)” would be bang up to date? Even if it does regrettably associate Ms Swift with reactionary nonsense.
Ian Grainger
London
• The call to modernise crossword clues should also address your Codeword puzzle, which is full of snuffboxes, inkwells and coxcombs.
Brian Hodkinson
Limerick, Ireland
• I was disappointed that Fletcher Christian was labelled a mutineer (Quick crossword, 19 June) rather than a Cumbrian. Whatever happened to levelling up?
Keith Snell
Cockermouth, Cumbria
