Self-consciously embarrassed (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CHAGRINED
Understanding "Self-consciously Embarrassed" in Crossword Puzzles
- Chagrined is the perfect 9-letter answer for clues about feeling self-consciously embarrassed.
- This emotion describes that uncomfortable feeling when you're acutely aware of your own embarrassment, often accompanied by a sense of disappointment or humiliation.
- The word chagrined captures both the internal discomfort and the external awareness that makes embarrassment particularly acute.
Why "Chagrined" Fits the Clue
- Crossword constructors favor chagrined for embarrassment-related clues because it precisely captures the self-aware aspect of the emotion.
- The 9-letter length makes it ideal for medium-difficulty puzzles, and its blend of common and uncommon letters (C-H-A-G-R-I-N-E-D) provides good crossing opportunities for puzzle construction.
Tips for Solving Embarrassment Clues
- Start with the letter count: Nine letters immediately rules out shorter alternatives like "ashamed" or "abashed"
- Consider the prefix and suffix patterns: Many embarrassment-related words end in "-ED" (past tense), giving you the last two letters
- Use crossing letters strategically: The letters C, H, G, R, I, N are relatively common in crosswords and can help confirm your answer
- Think about synonym precision: "Self-consciously" is key—it's not just embarrassment but embarrassment with self-awareness
- Remember French-origin words: Crosswords often use sophisticated terms derived from French, and "chagrined" fits this pattern
- Look for vowel placement: CHAGRINED has three vowels (A, I, E) in a balanced distribution, typical of nine-letter answers
Self-consciously embarrassed (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between chagrined and embarrassed?
A: Chagrined involves a deeper sense of disappointment and wounded pride along with the embarrassment, while embarrassed can be more superficial or temporary.
Q: Can chagrined be used as a verb?
A: Yes, "chagrin" functions as both a noun and verb. You can say "I was chagrined by the mistake" or "The incident chagrined me."
Q: Are there other 9-letter words for embarrassed?
A: Yes, "mortified" and "flustered" (though flustered implies confusion too), but "chagrined" best captures the self-conscious element.
Q: Is this a common crossword answer?
A: Moderately common. It appears regularly in mid-week puzzles (Wednesday/Thursday difficulty) in major publications.
Q: What letter pattern should I look for first?
A: If you have any crossing letters, focus on the ending "-ED" and the distinctive "CH-" beginning, which are relatively uncommon letter combinations.
