badger crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue is "badger", you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "badger crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
IRK: To annoy or irritate someone, often persistently. A short, sharp way to 'badger' someone.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To irritate or bother persistently. A very common synonym for badgering someone.
BROCK: An old or dialectal term for a badger, referring to the animal. Less common for the verb, but a valid answer if the clue implies the animal.
6 Letters
PESTER: To trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions. A direct fit for the verb 'badger'.
HARASS: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation. Stronger than pester, but still fits the 'badger' verb meaning.
PLAGUE: To cause continual trouble or distress to. Can refer to persistent torment, similar to badgering.
HECTOR: To talk to someone in a bullying way. This fits the aggressive, persistent nature of badgering.
More About "badger crossword clue"
The clue "badger" is a classic example of a word with dual meanings that crossword setters love to exploit. Primarily, it refers to the act of persistently annoying or bothering someone, often with questions or requests. This verb usage is the most frequent interpretation in crosswords, leading to answers like PESTER, ANNOY, or HARASS.
However, "badger" is also a well-known nocturnal mammal, recognized by its distinctive striped face. In this context, the answer might be a more obscure synonym for the animal, such as BROCK. Savvy solvers always consider both possibilities and let the letter count and intersecting letters guide them to the correct solution. Understanding the nuances of such words can significantly improve your crossword-solving speed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Always ask yourself if a word has more than one common meaning (e.g., verb vs. noun, literal vs. figurative). "Badger" is a prime example of this.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most important guide. If "badger" could be 'PESTER' (6 letters) or 'BROCK' (5 letters), the grid will tell you which one is correct.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters you get from perpendicular clues are crucial. They can confirm or rule out potential answers for "badger" very quickly.
- Think Synonyms: For verb clues like "badger," brainstorm various synonyms for bothering or annoying. For animal clues, consider less common names.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "badger" typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "badger" most commonly refers to the verb meaning to persistently bother, annoy, or harass someone. Less frequently, it might refer to the animal itself.
Are there common synonyms for "badger" used in crosswords?
Common synonyms include PESTER, ANNOY, HARASS, PLAGUE, and HECTOR. For the animal, the less common term BROCK might appear.
How can I tell if the clue "badger" refers to the animal or the verb?
The surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme might offer hints. If the clue is phrased as a noun (e.g., 'Burrowing animal'), it points to the animal. If it's a verb (e.g., 'To annoy persistently'), it points to the action. The letter count is also a major indicator, as 'badger' as an animal (BROCK) might fit a different length than its verb forms.