A mender of pots (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: TINKER
Understanding the Crossword Clue "TINKER" (6 Letters)
- A mender of pots is a classic crossword clue that points to the answer TINKER (6 letters).
- A tinker traditionally refers to an itinerant craftsperson who traveled from place to place mending household items, particularly metal pots, pans, and kettles.
- This occupation was common in rural communities before the age of mass production and disposable goods.
- The word "tinker" derives from the tinkling sound made when working with tin and other metals.
- These skilled workers were essential members of society, offering repair services to families who couldn't afford to replace damaged cookware and utensils.
Related Crossword Clues and Variations
- Crossword enthusiasts will encounter numerous variations of this clue across different puzzles. Alternative phrasings include "pot mender," "itinerant repairman," "pot fixer," or "traveling craftsman."
- Some constructors prefer more archaic descriptions like "peripatetic pot repairer" or "nomadic metalworker" to increase difficulty.
- The word TINKER also appears in clues referencing the verb form, meaning to fiddle with or make small adjustments.
- Phrases like "meddle with" or "work amateurishly" might also lead to TINKER as the solution. Literary references occasionally appear, such as clues mentioning "Tinker Bell" (where TINKER forms part of the fairy's name) or "Tinker to Evers to Chance" (the famous baseball double-play combination).
Common Crossword Solving Strategies for This Clue Type
- When encountering "a mender of pots (6)" in a crossword puzzle, experienced solvers immediately consider occupational terms from historical trades.
- The key strategy involves thinking about pre-industrial professions that dealt with household repairs.
- If you have intersecting letters, focus on the ending—many English occupational words end in "-ER," making TINKER highly probable.
- Consider the context of the puzzle's theme and difficulty level. In easier puzzles, straightforward definition clues like this one typically have direct, unambiguous answers.
- Check whether your answer fits with crossing words, as this provides immediate confirmation. Building your vocabulary of historical occupations significantly improves solving speed for similar clues.
A mender of pots (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What is the exact definition of a tinker?
A:A tinker is a traveling craftsperson who mends household metal items, especially pots and pans, traditionally moving from place to place offering repair services.
Q:Why is TINKER 6 letters?
A:The word is spelled T-I-N-K-E-R, which totals exactly six letters, making it the perfect fit for crossword clues specifying this length.
Q:Are there other answers for "mender of pots"?
A:While TINKER is the most common 6-letter answer, longer alternatives like "coppersmith" or "metalworker" might appear in different contexts with different letter counts.
Q:Is "tinker" still used as an occupation today?
A:The traditional traveling tinker profession has virtually disappeared, though some specialized metal craftspeople and restorers continue similar work in modern contexts.
