Extremely In 1970s Slang Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 19, 2025

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Extremely in 1970s Slang: Unlocking the Crossword Clue

The 1970s were a decade of vibrant cultural shifts, reflected even in the everyday language. Solving a crossword clue referencing "extremely" in 1970s slang requires a dive into the lexicon of that era – a period brimming with unique expressions. This article explores several possibilities, delving into the context, etymology, and usage of relevant slang terms to help you crack that cryptic crossword clue.

Understanding the Crossword Conundrum:

The challenge lies in identifying a word or phrase that accurately captured the meaning of "extremely" within the specific context of 1970s slang. The crossword clue might be deliberately vague, testing your knowledge of the period's informal language. This necessitates exploring a range of slang terms with varying degrees of intensity.

Potential Answers and Their Nuances:

Several 1970s slang terms could fit the bill, depending on the precise shade of "extremely" intended by the crossword setter:

• Totally: This ubiquitous term represented a strong affirmation, often used to emphasize agreement or intensity. "Totally awesome," "totally rad," and "totally groovy" were common phrases. In the context of "extremely," "totally" signifies a high degree of something, although not necessarily the absolute superlative.

• Rad: Short for "radical," this word was used to describe something exceptionally cool, excellent, or exciting. While not as explicitly intense as some other options, "rad" conveyed a strong positive assessment, implying a high degree of desirability or coolness. Its usage was heavily dependent on context; something could be "kinda rad" or "super rad," reflecting varying degrees of extremity.

• Far Out: This psychedelic-era slang term described something extraordinary, unusual, or amazing. It carried a sense of awe and wonder, emphasizing the unexpected or unconventional. The "far out" experience was, by definition, extremely outside the norm.

• Groovy: A very popular term, "groovy" described anything pleasing, cool, or excellent. While less intense than "far out," it conveyed a strong positive sentiment and could be used to express a high degree of approval or admiration. The level of "extremely" implied depended greatly on the intonation and overall sentence structure.

• Heavy: This term had multiple connotations in 1970s slang. It could describe something significant, important, or intense, reflecting emotional weight or seriousness. A "heavy trip" implied an extremely profound and possibly overwhelming experience. It is an effective synonym for "extremely" when applied to emotional or psychological impact.

• Outta Sight: Similar to "far out," "outta sight" conveyed amazement or astonishment, implying something exceptionally cool or impressive. The phrase emphasized the visual aspect of something being "extremely" good or remarkable.

Beyond Single Words: Phrasal Possibilities:

The crossword clue might also be looking for a longer phrase that captures the nuance of "extremely" in 1970s slang. Consider these options:

• Right on: This phrase conveyed enthusiastic agreement or approval, and while not strictly defining “extremely”, it could function as such, especially in a positive context.

• The bomb: This idiom described something fantastic or excellent, often used to praise a song, a party, or a person. "The bomb" suggested an extremely high level of quality or desirability.

• Off the chain: Though possibly slightly later in its adoption than the strict 70's, this term implies something extraordinarily wild, exciting, or impressive.

Context is Key:

The surrounding clues in the crossword puzzle are critical in determining the most appropriate answer. The crossword setter might provide hints through related themes or wordplay. Consider:

• The overall theme of the puzzle: Is it focused on music, fashion, social events, or a specific subculture of the 1970s?
• The length of the answer: The number of letters in the answer provides a crucial constraint.
• Crossword clue wordplay: Look for puns, anagrams, or other wordplay techniques that might offer further clues.

Strategies for Solving the Clue:

1. Brainstorm: Generate a list of all possible 1970s slang terms that could relate to "extremely."
2. Check letter counts: Eliminate words that don't match the number of squares allocated in the crossword.
3. Consider cross-referencing letters: Use letters already filled in from intersecting words to further narrow down your possibilities.
4. Research: Use online dictionaries or slang dictionaries specializing in the 1970s to verify the meaning and usage of potential answers.
5. Contextualize: Review the other clues in the crossword to determine the overall theme and tone.

Conclusion:

Unlocking a crossword clue that uses "extremely" within the framework of 1970s slang requires a blend of knowledge, deduction, and linguistic detective work. By exploring the various slang terms and their nuances, considering the puzzle's context, and applying strategic solving techniques, you can crack even the most challenging clues. This deep dive into the linguistic landscape of the 1970s highlights the richness and variety of language used during this formative decade. The seemingly simple task of finding a synonym for "extremely" becomes a journey into the past, revealing the unique ways people expressed themselves during a pivotal era in history. So, put on your bell-bottoms, grab your 8-track, and get ready to conquer that crossword!