Comments on: Enigmatic Variations 1017: Epilogue by Oxymoron

By: Matthew

Matthew — Sun, 20 May 2012 00:28:53 +0000

Even though I use Chambers mainly for solving crosswords, I accept that it is not a crossword dictionary. If I look up N in Chambers, I should expect to find what N can mean, not what can mean N.

By: nmsindy

nmsindy — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:40:30 +0000

I think N = November is quite fair. Actually I think it’s not really an abbreviation but in a way the reverse of an abbreviation ie a code word for the letter N as Dave H has explained. You see it used in the daily cryptics I think.

By: Dave Hennings

Dave Hennings — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:37:17 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Tony. I didn't clock any royal wedding connection, but you may be right. Regarding N for November, Chambers has, under November², "(in international radio communication) a code word for the letter n". Why it isn't also mentioned under N or n is beyond me! Dave.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:17:20 +0000

Thank you, Dave. I think this puzzle was a nod towards the anniversary of the royal wedding and Pippa Middleton. I’m not keen on November giving an N; it’s not a standard abbreviation, is it?