crossword clue pants – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the potential solutions for the crossword clue "pants," complete with explanations to help you understand the context and finish your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue pants" by Letter Count
5 Letters
JEANS: A common type of casual trousers made from denim, often clued as 'pants' in American English puzzles.
GASPS: To breathe heavily, typically after physical exertion or shock. 'Pants' can be used as a verb with this meaning.
6 Letters
SHORTS: A shorter form of trousers, often worn in warm weather. A common type of 'pants'.
SLACKS: Loose, casual trousers, typically made of lightweight material, often used interchangeably with 'pants'.
7 Letters
TROUSER: A single leg garment; in British English, 'trousers' refers to the pair of garments, while 'pants' can refer to underwear.
8 Letters
NONSENSE: In British informal usage, 'pants' can mean rubbish, something of poor quality, or utter foolishness. This answer fits that interpretation.
More About "crossword clue pants"
The clue "pants" is a fascinating one in the world of crosswords due to its multiple meanings and regional variations. Primarily, it refers to a garment worn on the lower body, but its precise meaning can differ between American and British English puzzles. In American crosswords, "pants" is almost exclusively used to mean trousers. However, in British crosswords, "pants" often refers to underwear, while "trousers" is the term for the outer garment.
Beyond clothing, "pants" can also function as a verb, meaning to breathe heavily and quickly, as in "he pants after running a mile." This verb form is a common trick used by setters to divert solvers from the more obvious clothing interpretation. Additionally, in informal British slang, "pants" can be an adjective meaning something is of poor quality or rubbish, adding another layer of complexity. Always consider the context provided by other clues or the puzzle's known origin (e.g., American vs. British publication) when tackling this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Regional Variations: For clues like "pants," always think about whether the puzzle might be American or British. This can drastically change the intended answer, from outer garment to underwear, or even a different meaning entirely.
- Check Parts of Speech: Is "pants" being used as a noun (the clothing), a verb (to breathe heavily), or even an adjective/interjection (meaning poor quality)? The surrounding words in the clue often provide a hint.
- Use Cross-References: Don't just focus on "pants." Look at the intersecting answers. If you have a few letters filled in from crossing words, they can quickly narrow down the possibilities for this multi-faceted clue.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to mislead. If the most obvious answer doesn't fit the letter count or intersecting letters, consider less common or idiomatic uses of the word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common interpretations for 'pants' in crosswords?
'Pants' can commonly refer to a garment for the lower body (trousers in American English), a verb meaning to breathe heavily (gasp), or informally in British English, something of poor quality or nonsense.
How can I determine the correct 'pants' answer based on letter count?
The letter count is crucial. If it's 5 letters, 'JEANS' or 'GASPS' are possibilities. For 6 letters, consider 'SHORTS' or 'SLACKS'. For longer answers like 8 letters, 'NONSENSE' might fit the British informal meaning, or 'TROUSERS' for the garment.
Are there regional differences for 'pants' in crosswords?
Absolutely! In American English, 'pants' refers to outer legwear. In British English, 'pants' typically refers to underwear, while 'trousers' is the word for outer legwear. Crossword constructors often play on these regional nuances, so context from other clues or the puzzle's origin can be a big hint.