nom de plume crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "nom de plume crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "nom de plume crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ALIAS: A general term for an assumed name, which can certainly apply to a nom de plume, especially in shorter crossword answers.
7 Letters
PENNAME: The most direct and common answer for "nom de plume," referring specifically to a name used by an author.
9 Letters
PSEUDONYM: A broader term for a fictitious name, often used interchangeably with nom de plume in crosswords when a longer word is needed.
More About "nom de plume crossword clue"
A "nom de plume" is a French term that literally translates to "pen name." It is an assumed name under which an author publishes their work. The practice of using a nom de plume dates back centuries and has been employed by countless famous writers for a variety of reasons, from personal privacy to artistic freedom.
Authors often adopt a pen name to separate their public writing persona from their private life, to experiment with different genres, or to avoid societal prejudices associated with their gender, background, or real name. For example, Mary Ann Evans wrote under the nom de plume George Eliot, and the Bronte sisters famously used male pseudonyms (Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell) to ensure their work was taken seriously in a male-dominated literary world.
In crosswords, "nom de plume" is a classic clue that frequently appears, testing your knowledge of literary terms and synonyms. Recognizing that it's looking for a word meaning "author's assumed name" is key to finding the correct answer, whether it's the precise "PENNAME" or a more general "PSEUDONYM" or "ALIAS."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For clues like "nom de plume," always think of direct synonyms (like PENNAME) first. Then, expand to broader related terms (like PSEUDONYM or ALIAS) if the letter count doesn't match the most direct answer.
- Check Letter Count: The number of blank spaces is your biggest hint. Always count them carefully before committing to an answer. This is crucial when multiple words could fit the definition.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, surrounding clues or a theme in the puzzle might point you towards a specific famous author's nom de plume, guiding your answer choice.
- Start with Common Answers: Many crossword clues have frequently used answers. Over time, you'll start to recognize these common pairings, making puzzles quicker to solve.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a 'nom de plume'?
A 'nom de plume' (French for 'pen name') is an assumed name used by a writer instead of their real name. It allows authors to publish their work under a different identity, often for privacy, to avoid prejudice, or to write in a different genre.
Why do authors use 'nom de plumes'?
Authors use pen names for various reasons: to protect their privacy, to write in a genre different from their established reputation, to avoid gender bias, to publish controversial works, or simply to have a more distinctive or memorable author name. Famous examples include Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) and George Orwell (Eric Blair).
Is 'nom de plume' the same as 'pseudonym'?
While often used interchangeably, 'nom de plume' specifically refers to a pen name used by a writer. 'Pseudonym' is a broader term for any fictitious name used by a person, which could include names used by actors, musicians, or spies. So, all 'nom de plumes' are pseudonyms, but not all pseudonyms are 'nom de plumes'.