tartan cloth crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue 'tartan cloth crossword clue', you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common answers and helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "tartan cloth crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PLAID: A common pattern of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, often associated with tartan cloth.
6 Letters
TARTAN: The specific type of patterned cloth, originally from Scotland, often referred to simply as tartan in crosswords.
More About "tartan cloth crossword clue"
Tartan cloth, with its distinctive crisscrossing patterns, is a globally recognized symbol, most notably associated with Scotland and its rich clan history. Each unique pattern, or 'sett', was historically tied to a specific Scottish clan or region, serving as a powerful identifier. While often referred to broadly as 'plaid', true tartan adheres to specific design principles and even has a registry for authentic patterns.
In the world of crosswords, 'tartan cloth' is a versatile clue that can lead to several common answers depending on the specific puzzle and available letters. Its strong cultural association makes it a popular choice for setters looking to evoke a sense of place or tradition. Understanding the nuances between 'tartan' and 'plaid' can often be the key to cracking related clues.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, tartan holds significant cultural and historical importance. It has evolved from a practical garment of the Highlanders to a symbol of Scottish identity embraced worldwide. Recognizing this background can often provide helpful context when encountering similar clues in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For "tartan cloth," words like "plaid" are common synonyms that setters often use, especially if the letter count is different.
- Think about context: If other clues in the puzzle point to Scotland or British history, this might confirm "tartan" or related answers.
- Check intersecting letters: Always use letters from solved clues to narrow down possibilities for unsolved ones. For example, if you have an 'A' in the second position, it quickly eliminates many potential answers for 'tartan cloth'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between tartan and plaid?
While often used interchangeably, 'plaid' generally refers to a pattern of crisscrossing stripes or checks. 'Tartan' is a specific type of plaid associated with Scottish clans, where each design (sett) is officially registered. In crosswords, either might be an answer depending on the clue's nuance.
Why is 'tartan cloth' a common crossword clue?
'Tartan cloth' is popular in crosswords due to its distinct visual and cultural associations, particularly with Scotland. It allows for various synonyms or related terms like PLAID, TARTAN, or even KILT, providing solvers with multiple avenues of thought.
What other clues might be related to 'tartan cloth' or Scotland in crosswords?
Beyond the cloth itself, crossword clues might relate to items made from tartan (e.g., KILT), Scottish geography (e.g., EDINBURGH, LOCH), cultural symbols (e.g., BAGPIPES, THISTLE), or even famous Scottish figures.