Told a joke (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: QUIPPED
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Told a Joke (7)
- QUIPPED is the seven-letter answer to "Told a joke." When someone quipped, they made a clever, witty remark or delivered a humorous one-liner in conversation.
- This verb captures the essence of making a quick, spontaneous joke rather than telling a lengthy story or elaborate setup.
Why QUIPPED Fits Perfectly
- The word "quipped" specifically refers to making a witty or funny comment, often delivered with sharp timing and brevity.
- Unlike simply "joked around" or "teased," quipping implies a certain sophistication—think of the rapid-fire banter in classic films or the clever comebacks of stand-up comedians.
- When crossword setters use "told a joke" as their clue, they're looking for this precise seven-letter verb that captures both the humor and the delivery style.
Tips for Solving "Joke" Crossword Clues
- Look at the letter count first - Seven letters immediately suggests QUIPPED or CRACKED as top candidates. Six letters points to JESTED.
- Check crossing letters early - If you have a "Q" in the first position from another answer, QUIPPED becomes extremely likely since few seven-letter words start with Q.
- Consider the clue's tone - "Told a joke" in a straightforward clue typically means QUIPPED. More casual phrasing like "Cracked wise" might indicate CRACKED or WISECRACKED.
- Remember verb tenses - Most joke-related clues use past tense (QUIPPED, JESTED), but occasionally you'll see present tense versions in themed puzzles.
- Build your vocabulary list - Keep a mental catalog of humor-related verbs: QUIP, JEST, CRACK, KID, JOSH, and their various forms appear repeatedly in crosswords.
- Context matters - In cryptic crosswords, "joke" might be part of a wordplay element rather than a straightforward definition, so always consider both literal and figurative interpretations.
Told a joke (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is QUIPPED always about humor?
A: Yes, quipping specifically involves making witty or humorous remarks. It's not used for serious statements or straightforward comments.
Q: What's the difference between QUIPPED and JOKED?
A: While both involve humor, "quipped" suggests a quick, clever retort or one-liner, whereas "joked" is more general and can include longer forms of humor or playful teasing.
Q: Can QUIPPED be used in formal writing?
A: Absolutely. It's commonly found in news articles, biographies, and formal narratives when describing someone's witty remarks during interviews or conversations.
Q: Are there any synonyms with the same letter count?
A: CRACKED (7 letters, as in "cracked a joke") is the closest alternative, though it's slightly more informal than QUIPPED.
