Burglar colloquially (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: PICKLOCK
Understanding "Burglar Colloquially" in Crossword Puzzles
- A picklock is a colloquial term for a burglar or thief who specializes in opening locks without keys.
- This 8-letter word combines "pick" (the action of manipulating a lock) with "lock" (the security device being breached).
- In everyday language, calling someone a picklock suggests they're skilled at breaking into secured places, making it a fitting informal synonym for burglar.
- The term has historical roots dating back to the 16th century, when locksmiths and thieves who could manipulate locks were both feared and occasionally valued for their specialized skills.
- Today, picklock remains primarily a literary or crossword term rather than common modern slang.
Why This Clue Works
- Crossword setters use "colloquially" as a signal that the answer is an informal or slang term rather than a formal word like "thief" or "intruder."
- The word length indicator (8) helps solvers recognize they need a compound word or specialized term.
- PICKLOCK fits perfectly because it's conversational yet specific enough to describe someone who illegally enters buildings by manipulating locks.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for compound words: When clues mention "colloquially" or "informally" with longer word counts (7+ letters), consider compound words that combine two shorter terms.
- Historical slang counts: Colloquial doesn't always mean modern - older informal terms like picklock, cutpurse, or footpad are fair game in crosswords.
- Context matters: Words related to criminals often have colorful informal alternatives - think "cat burglar," "safecracker," or "second-story man."
- Letter patterns help: If you have P_C_L_C_, recognizing the double appearance of "C" and "L" can guide you toward PICKLOCK.
- Think action-based: Many colloquial criminal terms describe what they do (pickpocket, card shark) rather than using formal titles.
Burglar colloquially (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is picklock still used in modern English?
While rarely used in everyday conversation, picklock appears in literature, period dramas, and crossword puzzles. Locksmiths might use "lock picker" instead, while "burglar" remains the standard modern term.
Q: Are there other 8-letter synonyms for burglar?
Yes! Consider "housedog" (slang), "crackman" (safe specialist), or "yeggman" (another historical term for safecracker), though picklock is most common in crosswords.
Q: How is this different from "lockpick"?
"Lockpick" typically refers to the tool used to manipulate locks, while "picklock" refers to the person using those tools - similar to how a "pickpocket" is the thief, not the pocket being picked.
Q: Why use "colloquially" instead of just "burglar"?
The word signals solvers to think beyond standard dictionary definitions toward informal, conversational, or slang alternatives, making the puzzle more challenging and interesting.
