Ditto for us NYT Crossword Clue: Explained and Solved

You’re cruising through your Monday New York Times crossword, feeling clever. Then you hit a wall. A simple, infuriating little phrase: “Ditto for us.” You pencil in “same,” but it doesn’t fit. “Also” is too short. “Ditto” itself? No chance. The frustration is real. If this is you, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and the answer is closer than you think.

This tiny clue is a perfect example of what makes the NYT crossword so brilliant and maddening. It’s not just a test of vocabulary; it’s a game of wits, wordplay, and cultural literacy. So, what does “Ditto for us” actually mean in the world of crosswords? Let’s solve this mystery together and learn everything you need to know.

Your first instinct is almost always to take the clue literally. “Ditto” means “the same as above.” So, “ditto for us” should mean “the same for us,” right? Well, in crosswords, especially the NYT, the surface meaning is often a delightful trap.

The editors are inviting you to think one way while the answer lies in another. The key is to recognize that “ditto” isn’t just a word here; it’s a hint toward something else entirely.

Think of it like a secret handshake. The clue is saying, “Hey, savvy solver, you know that ‘ditto’ can be represented by a specific symbol, right?” And just like that, the gears should start turning.

So, what is that symbol? If you’ve ever looked at a list where you don’t want to repeat the same word, you might use two quotation marks to represent “ditto.” You’ve seen it a thousand times:

• Item 1: Apples
• Item 2: ” ” (meaning Apples again)

Those two little marks—” ”—are the universal representation for “ditto” or “same as above.” In the context of the clue “Ditto for us,” the word “us” is your critical hint. The clue is asking: What is the symbol for “ditto” when “us” is involved?

This is where a little Latin knowledge comes in handy. The word “ditto” itself originates from the Italian detto, meaning “said,” which comes from the Latin dictus, the past participle of dicere, meaning “to say.”

But the answer is even more direct. The Latin word for “the same” is IDEM.

And how is “idem” often abbreviated in footnotes, bibliographies, and scholarly texts? You guessed it: ID.

Therefore, “Ditto for us” is a clever way of cluing ID. The “us” refers to the fact that we, in modern English, use “ditto,” but the crossword answer draws from the Latin root that scholars use, which is “idem,” abbreviated to “ID.”

Answer to “Ditto for us”: ID

It’s a classic case of misdirection solved by a blend of general knowledge and linguistic history.

Getting this one answer is great, but becoming a better solver is the real win. Here’s how to tackle clues that seem to defy logic:

• Consider Abbreviations: Crosswords love abbreviations. “Ditto” is often abbreviated as “do.” but also as the symbol “ or the Latin “id.”
• Think Beyond English: The NYT crossword frequently borrows from Latin, French, and other languages. Common words like “aime” (French for loves) or “anno” (Italian for year) are fair game.
• Look for Misdirection: If a clue seems too straightforward, it probably is. The fun is in the twist. Is it a homophone? A pun? A reference to pop culture?
• Crossing Letters are King: Often, you won’t get the tricky clue on the first try. Use the letters from the answers you do know (the ones that cross it) to help you narrow down the possibilities.

Let’s look at how this clue might appear in a puzzle:

*In this simple example, if 1-Across is “Ditto for us” (2 letters) and you have a crossing clue like 1-Down: “Freudian topic” (also 2 letters), the answer would be ID for both.*

To avoid future frustration, it helps to memorize some of the most common crossword “fill” and clues. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Italian City River: ARNO
• ”And others” abbreviation: ET AL
• Greek Muse of History: CLIO
• Vitamin Abbreviations: A, B, C, D, E, K
• ”That is” abbreviation: I.E.
• ”For example” abbreviation: E.G.

Having these in your back pocket will help you fly through the easier sections of the grid and save your brainpower for the real stumpers.

Next time you see a clue like “Ditto for us” in the NYT crossword, you won’t panic. You’ll smile, remember that it’s a clever clue for ID, and confidently fill in those two little boxes. Remember, every puzzle is a learning experience.

Your 3 Tips for Today:

1. Embrace the Misdirection: When a clue seems too simple, it’s probably a wordplay trap.
2. Learn the Lingo: Brush up on common crossword abbreviations, foreign words, and mythological references.
3. Use the Grid: Let the crossing answers guide you. A single revealed letter can unlock everything.

What was the last crossword clue that stumped you? Share it in the comments below, and let’s solve it together!

Q1: Is “ID” the only answer for “Ditto for us”?
Almost always, yes. In the context of the NYT and most major crossword puzzles, “Ditto for us” is a standard clue for the abbreviation “ID,” stemming from the Latin “idem.”

Q2: What if “ID” doesn’t fit the crossword grid?
This is very rare for this specific clue. If it doesn’t fit, double-check the crossing words. You may have made a mistake on a different clue. The puzzle might also be using a very obscure alternative, but “ID” is the overwhelmingly common answer.

Q3: Why do crosswords use so many abbreviations?
Abbreviations are a crucial tool for constructors to fit answers into the grid, especially for short words. They also add a layer of knowledge-testing to the puzzle, making it more challenging and rewarding.

Q4: Are there other common clues for “ID”?
Absolutely! “Driver’s license?” “Ego counterpart,” “Freudian subject,” and “Superego’s counterpart” are all very common clues for ID.

Q5: What’s the best way to get better at crosswords?
Practice consistently! Start with Monday puzzles (the easiest) and work your way through the week. Don’t be afraid to look up answers you don’t know—it’s how you learn for next time.

Q6: Does “ditto” ever get clued differently?
Yes. “Same,” “Copy,” “As above,” and “Duplicate” are all straightforward clues for the word “DITTO” itself when the answer space is longer.

Q7: Is there a resource for past NYT crossword answers?
Yes! Websites like Crossword Nexus, XWord Info, and the NYT’s own Wordplay blog are fantastic resources for checking answers and understanding clues.

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