Toque toppers (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: POMPOMS
Understanding the Crossword Clue
- Toque toppers refers to the decorative elements found at the crown of a toque, which is a type of knitted winter hat.
- The answer POMPOMS (7 letters) perfectly describes these fluffy, rounded embellishments that sit atop toques and other winter headwear.
- Pompoms serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, adding a playful touch while creating a distinctive silhouette that makes these hats instantly recognizable in cold-weather fashion.
Why POMPOMS is the Perfect Answer
- Pompoms have been traditional toque decorations for centuries, originally serving to cushion impacts for sailors hitting their heads on low ship ceilings.
- Modern pompoms are purely decorative, crafted from yarn, faux fur, or even real fur.
- The seven-letter word POMPOMS (sometimes spelled POM-POMS) matches the clue's letter count precisely while capturing the whimsical nature of these winter hat accessories that bounce with every movement.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for letter count first - The (7) indicates you need exactly seven letters, which helps narrow possibilities significantly.
- Consider seasonal context - "Toque" immediately signals winter clothing, directing your thinking toward cold-weather accessories rather than chef's hats (also called toques).
- Think about positioning words - "Toppers" tells you these items sit at the top or crown of the hat, eliminating buttons, bands, or other embellishments.
- Recognize double letters - POMPOMS contains repeated letters (PO-M-PO-M-S), which often appears in crossword answers for decorative items.
- Use crossing letters - If you've solved intersecting clues, use those confirmed letters to verify POMPOMS fits the pattern.
- Remember spelling variations - Some dictionaries list "pom-poms" with hyphens, but crossword answers typically omit punctuation for cleaner grids.
Toque toppers (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are pompoms and pom-poms spelled differently?
A: Both spellings are correct. Crosswords use POMPOMS without hyphens since punctuation doesn't fit in puzzle grids. Dictionaries accept both versions.
Q: Why do toques have pompoms?
A: Originally functional for French sailors to cushion head impacts, pompoms evolved into purely decorative elements that add visual interest and personality to winter hats.
Q: What other hats feature pompoms?
A: Beyond toques, you'll find pompoms on beanies, ski hats, berets, tam o'shanters, and various children's winter caps across different cultures.
Q: Could "toque toppers" refer to anything else?
A: While chefs wear toques (tall white hats), these lack traditional toppers. The seven-letter requirement and winter accessory context confirms POMPOMS as the intended answer.
Q: How do you make pompoms for toques?
A: Crafters wrap yarn around cardboard circles, tie the center tightly, cut the loops, and trim into spherical shapes before attaching them to hat crowns with strong stitching.
