A crossword clue referencing individuals or groups vulnerable to criticism, attack, or deception functions as a prompt, requiring solvers to deduce the intended answer based on the clue’s wording, length, and intersecting letters. For example, a clue like “Unsuspecting victims (8)” might lead to the solution “DUPE” or “PATSY”.
Such clues provide a concise, often cryptic, way to describe these concepts. They contribute to the challenge and intellectual stimulation of crossword puzzles. Historically, crosswords have reflected social and cultural trends, and clues referencing vulnerability can offer insights into prevailing attitudes and power dynamics. This type of clue requires solvers to consider not only synonyms but also the connotations and implications of words associated with vulnerability.
