Black eye, informally (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: SHINER (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Black eye, informally" with 6 letters is "SHINER".A shiner is an informal term for a black eye, caused by bruising around the eye after being hit. It refers to the swollen, discolored mark that appears on the skin due to blood vessels breaking from the impact, often as a result of an injury or accident.
Why “Shiner” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “black eye, informally.” The answer, SHINER, fits exactly:
- Black eye, informally: In slang, a shiner is a bruise or discoloration around the eye caused by a blow — a classic “black eye.”
- Direct match: With 6 letters, shiner perfectly fits the clue’s enumeration.
- Colloquial definition: It is the standard informal term used conversationally rather than the medical description.
The slang term shiner is part of everyday English:
- Origin and usage: First recorded in the late 19th century, probably from the ironic idea that a bruised, swollen eye “shines” darkly.
- Contexts: Mostly used in casual conversation, often with humor, to describe the aftermath of a punch or impact.
- Examples: “He came home from the match with a shiner,” or “That’s some shiner you’ve got there!”
Quick crossword clues like “black eye, informally (6)” usually point directly to slang terms:
- Alternatives such as bruise (6) or mouse (5, from “black eye = mouse”) may come to mind, but shiner is the most widely recognized informal answer.
- The clue signals its informality, steering solvers toward colloquial English rather than literal medical terms.
- With 6 letters, everyday familiarity, and a humorous undertone, shiner is the correct solution.
