Apartment sharer (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ROOMIE
Understanding the Clue
- An apartment sharer refers to a person who splits rent and living space with another tenant. The clue asks for a 6-letter word, making ROOMIE the ideal answer.
- This casual term has become increasingly common in modern English, especially among younger generations and in urban areas where shared housing is prevalent.
- The word ROOMIE is a diminutive form of "roommate," adding an affectionate or informal tone. It's commonly used in everyday conversation, social media, and housing advertisements.
- The -IE suffix gives it a friendly, approachable quality that reflects the personal nature of shared living arrangements.
Related Crossword Terms
- When solving puzzles, you might encounter similar clues about shared living situations.
- Understanding related terminology helps build your crossword vocabulary and pattern recognition skills.
- FLATMATE (8 letters) is the British equivalent, commonly used in UK-based puzzles.
- TENANT (6 letters) refers to any renter but doesn't necessarily imply sharing. COHAB (5 letters) is short for cohabitant and occasionally appears in puzzles.
Tips for Solving Apartment and Housing Clues
- Look for informal language indicators: Words like "sharer" or "pal" in clues often point to casual terms like ROOMIE rather than formal words like COHABITANT.
- Count the letters first: Knowing you need exactly 6 letters immediately narrows your options and helps you choose between ROOMIE and longer alternatives.
- Consider contemporary usage: Modern crosswords increasingly feature current slang and informal terms, especially those related to millennial and Gen Z lifestyles.
- Check crossing words: If you're unsure, fill in intersecting answers first to confirm letters in ROOMIE.
- Think phonetically: The -IE ending is common in casual English words (buddy, bestie, roomie), which can help you recognize the pattern.
Apartment sharer (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is ROOMIE acceptable in formal crosswords?
A: Yes, ROOMIE appears regularly in mainstream crosswords from major newspapers. While informal, it's an established dictionary word that solvers recognize instantly.
Q: What's the difference between ROOMIE and FLATMATE?
A: ROOMIE is American English and more casual, while FLATMATE is British English. Both mean the same thing, but puzzle origin often determines which appears.
Q: Could the answer be ROOMER instead?
A: ROOMER is also 6 letters and means someone who rents a room, but it's less commonly used than ROOMIE and doesn't capture the "sharing" aspect as clearly.
Q: Are there other 6-letter answers for apartment sharer?
A: ROOMIE is by far the most common answer. SHARER could work but is too general, and COHORT doesn't quite fit the definition.
Q: How often does ROOMIE appear in crosswords?
A: Fairly frequently, especially in puzzles from the last decade as shared housing has become more culturally prominent and the informal term has gained widespread acceptance.
