Decoding the 2010s Dance Craze: A Crossword Clue Solver's Guide
The 2010s witnessed a vibrant explosion of dance crazes, each captivating millions with its unique rhythm and moves. From viral videos to mainstream media appearances, these dances left an indelible mark on pop culture. If you're facing a crossword clue referencing a 2010s dance craze, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to crack the code. We'll explore some of the most prominent dances of the decade, providing clues and hints to help you solve even the trickiest crossword puzzles.
Understanding the Clues:
Crossword clues are rarely straightforward. They often employ wordplay, synonyms, and indirect references. When encountering a clue related to a 2010s dance craze, consider the following:
- The length of the answer: The number of letters specified in the clue is crucial. This immediately narrows down the possibilities.
- The clue's wording: Is the clue descriptive (e.g., "Dance craze featuring a horse-like gallop") or more abstract (e.g., "Viral dance of the early 2010s")?
- The overall crossword theme: Sometimes, the crossword's theme provides context, making the answer more apparent.
Popular 2010s Dance Crazes and Possible Crossword Clues:
Let's delve into some of the most memorable dance crazes of the 2010s and explore how they might appear in a crossword puzzle:
1. Harlem Shake:
- Description: This dance, popularized by the Baauer song of the same name, involved a chaotic, spontaneous outburst of dancing following a period of relatively static posing.
- Possible Clues:
- "Viral dance craze of 2013" (relatively easy)
- "Baauer-inspired dance frenzy" (medium)
- "Chaotic dance with a sudden eruption" (hard)
- "Dance involving initial stillness, then wild movement" (hard)
- "5-letter dance craze" (if the answer is "SHAKE")
2. The Dougie:
- Description: Characterized by its smooth, arm-waving movements and a distinctive hip-hop style, The Dougie was popularized by rapper Cali Swag District.
- Possible Clues:
- "Cali Swag District dance" (relatively easy)
- "Smooth, arm-waving hip-hop dance" (medium)
- "2010s dance with distinctive arm movements" (medium)
- "Hip-hop dance craze with fluid arm motions" (hard)
3. The Running Man:
- Description: A relatively simple dance, it's characterized by its side-to-side stepping motion, often mimicking a runner's gait. While its origins predate the 2010s, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during this decade.
- Possible Clues:
- "Dance mimicking a runner's gait" (relatively easy)
- "Side-to-side stepping dance" (medium)
- "Resurgent dance craze of the 2010s" (medium to hard, depending on the solver's knowledge)
- "Simple dance with a running motion" (hard)
4. Gangnam Style:
- Description: Psy's global phenomenon featured a memorable horse-riding dance move and infectious tune.
- Possible Clues:
- "Psy's viral dance hit" (relatively easy)
- "Horse-riding dance craze" (medium)
- "Global dance sensation of the 2010s" (medium)
- "South Korean dance craze with iconic horse move" (hard)
- "Globally popular dance with horse-riding motion" (hard)
5. Wobble:
- Description: A dance featuring a distinctive bouncy, side-to-side movement, with arm and hand gestures. V.I.C. helped popularize this dance.
- Possible Clues:
- "Bouncy, side-to-side dance" (relatively easy)
- "Dance with a distinctive wobble" (medium)
- "V.I.C.-associated dance craze" (medium to hard)
- "2010s dance with a side-to-side bounce" (hard)
6. Naenae and the Macarena (Resurgence):
While not originating in the 2010s, both the Naenae (often associated with OMI's "Cheerleader") and the Macarena saw renewed popularity and viral moments.
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Possible Clues (Naenae):
- "Dance associated with 'Cheerleader'" (easy to medium)
- "2010s resurgence of a Polynesian dance" (hard)
-
Possible Clues (Macarena):
- "Resurgent 90s dance craze of the 2010s" (hard)
- "Arm-swinging dance with a repeated sequence" (medium to hard)
Strategies for Solving:
- Think laterally: Crossword clues often use synonyms or indirect references. If a clue mentions a "spirited dance," it might be referring to a high-energy craze like the Harlem Shake.
- Use cross-references: The intersecting letters from other solved clues can significantly help narrow down the possibilities.
- Consult online resources: If you're stumped, consider searching online for lists of popular 2010s dance crazes. This can provide valuable clues and context.
- Consider abbreviations: The clue might use an abbreviation or a shortened form of the dance's name.
Beyond the Specific Dances:
Some crossword clues might refer to the broader trend of viral dance crazes without naming a specific one. In these cases, clues could include:
- "Internet sensation dance"
- "Social media dance phenomenon"
- "Viral dance of the decade"
- "Dance trend that spread via video sharing"
By understanding the potential clues and employing strategic problem-solving techniques, you'll be well-equipped to decode any 2010s dance craze crossword clue that comes your way. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more crosswords you solve, the better you'll become at deciphering their often-cryptic clues.