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Catnip

@catnipxword.bsky.social

Cryptic crossword setter. Nepeta in the Independent or https://mycrossword.co.uk/Catnip. Lover of wordplay, silliness, awful puns, quizzes, etc. Part-time proofreader. Booklover. Bellringer. Accidental runner. I also have a day job.

2456 Posts560 Follower639 Folgt
Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 3w ago

Obviously I have a small personal stake in this, but this really would be a disaster. I can't speak to the veracity of the original quote, but I've heard it repeated by senior newspaper people about readers - "The news gets them in. The crossword makes sure they stay."

John Henderson@enigmatistelgar.bsky.social · 3w ago

Did you know that @the-independent.com is planning to shelve its cryptic crossword at the end of October? Get involved, by contacting the Indy directly, by retweeting this post and/or by commenting at fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i.... Save the Indy #crossword!!

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 4w ago

Following whatever the hell is going on in the US: 25% amusement at unintended humour 25% horror at the general idiocy 50% nervous twitch at the persistent misspelling of "bestiality" in comments (If this means nothing to you, be grateful!)

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · last mo.

Is there anyone out there, ideally *not* going to Sloggers and Betters in York, who would be interested in test solving a puzzle for me? I should have it ready by the end of the week.

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · last mo.

Nice BH Maskerade all tidied up and put to bed. One unparsed, one definition that I don't like (or quite possibly haven't properly understood), and one basic enumeration howler. (A second enumeration matter is undergoing a stewards' enquiry)

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · last mo.

Mrs Catnip recently suggested that the Beach Boys' I Get Around (1964) must be the last time anyone used "bread" to mean money outside crosswords. Leaving that dubious claim aside, is there any way of answering the wider question of when a term ceased to be in use, beyond a dictionary's (obs)?

The Void ザ・ヴォイド@thevoidtlmb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy · last mo.

Next #OffGridPod ep looked at The Indy’s puzzle fr 08/08. Solve if you like, but it’s not really about #crosswords. https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent?puzzleDate=20260808

The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent

Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.

puzzles.independent.co.uk

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 2mo ago

5 Simpsons lines I've uttered most off the top of my head: 1. Ow! They're defending themselves somehow! 2. The goggles! They do nothing! 3. One, where's the fife? And two, gimme the fife. 4. Don't blame me - I voted for Kodos. 5. Immigernts, I knew it was them! Even when it was the bears...

#2 Galactus Apologist ✨@tainkirrahe.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The 5 Simpsons lines I've uttered most off the top of my head: 1. (answering phone) Ahoy-hoy? 2. Why can’t I have no [blank] and three money? 3. I was saying boo-urns :( 4. MAX POWERRRRRR the name you want to TOOUUCH but you mustn’t TOOOUCH 5. Money can be exchanged for goods and services

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 2mo ago

A new puzzle by me at @mycrossword.co.uk, celebrating a special occasion. Sample clues: More rough diamonds smuggled inside part of ship (6) Do hotels rent accommodation to rakes? (8) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3835

Cryptic crossword No 3,835 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,835 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 28 clues by Catnip. Published Tue 25 Aug 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

mycrossword.co.uk

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Sugar Puffs! I forgot that one! 😂 But the Superstars fall is here: youtu.be/n4OzPrskdqU

Kevin Keegan falls off his bike during BBC Superstars 1976

YouTube video by Southstandred

youtu.be

The Balderdook@balderdash.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Moving and powerful tribute to Kevin Keegan at St James’ Park solidified by the emotional words of Les Ferdinand: ‘When I think of Kevin, I think of him falling off his bike on Superstars. Oh and the Sugar Puffs advert too.’

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Very proud of Littlest Kitten for some amazing GCSE results. The odd subject where he was hoping for more, but that's essays for you. His STEM subjects are just incredible.

Lewis Baston@lewisbaston.bsky.social · 2mo ago

A fine Canadian electoral district name and not overlong. If I were a candidate there you would not be able to stop me using the slogan ‘I’ll Be There For You’.

Robin Wilde@robinwilde.me · 2mo ago

Last year we moved briefly to the Courtenay-Comox, regularly the most marginal seat in the BC legislature (current majority of 93 for the Conservatives). We swiftly realised that this did not mean the electorate were a bunch of reasonable centrists but a lot of Both Kinds of AntiVaxxers.

Catnip@catnipxword.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Nepeta's back in the Indy today by popular(ish) demand. Sample clues: Private area's security measures no good (5) Fat fool keeping almost emaciated First Lady very close (5,2,7) puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...

The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent

Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.

puzzles.independent.co.uk