This is the fifth instalment in a series of posts about crossword grids. Previous entries in the series: symmetry, checking, connectivity, pangrams.
A Nina is a special feature of the crossword grid: a word, words or phrase hidden within a pattern of cells in the completed grid.
An example from an Indy crossword: the words STALACTITE and STALAGMITE are concealed vertically, in symmetrical positions.
Why is it called a Nina?
Many think "Nina" is an acronym. It isn't.
The word comes from Al Hirschfeld (1903-2003), American caricaturist, who was famous for hiding his daughter's name "Nina" into his drawings. Wikipedia says:
The name would appear in a sleeve, in a hairdo, or somewhere in the background. Sometimes "Nina" would show up more than once and Hirschfeld would helpfully add a number next to his signature, to let people know how many times her name would appear.
Hirschfeld's artwork is here, I've strained my eyes trying to spot Ninas in the online images. Can you see any? He started the trend in 1945, the year his daughter was born, so look for artwork created post-1945.
Crossword setters then brought Ninas into the realm of crosswords. If you happen to know which publication/setter started the trend, do write a comment about it.
Update (24-Mar-2011): Thanks to Peter Biddlecombe for sharing with me what is possibly the oldest Nina, from the Times crossword of July 1967. Nowadays Ninas occur quite often in the Independent crossword, and occasionally in the Guardian and FT. I haven't yet come across one in the Times, or in any of the Indian crosswords.
There have been Ninas in Indian crossword grids since this article was written. THC 9729 of 1st Jan 2010 was the first. Though rare, there have also been themes and Ninas in the Times crossword.
Ninas and Solvability
As with pangrams, the existence of a Nina is not announced – you'll miss it if you don't actively look for it.
A Nina could help you fill up faster if you catch on to it before filling up the grid, but experience tells me that rarely happens. Ninas are even subtler than pangrams. You generally finish the crossword before the "Ah!" moment of seeing the Nina arrives.
Spot the Nina?
Find the Nina in this grid from another Independent crossword. Post your answer in the comments section. I'll publish comments after two days so that the answer isn't revealed until you've all had a go.
(The Independent is a great crossword by the way. On the challenging side, very innovative. Their daily crossword can be found online here.)
Independent 7150 (Monk)
Related Posts/Links:
- Guardian 24635 (Enigmatist): A Guardian puzzle with a Nina
- Basics Of The Crossword Grid
- Crossword Grid: Checking
- Crossword Grid: Connectivity
- Pangrams
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As a crossword enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricate world of crossword puzzles, I'd like to delve into the concept of "Ninas" in crossword grids. Ninas, a special feature in crossword puzzles, involve hiding a word, words, or phrase within the completed grid. This adds an extra layer of complexity and enjoyment for seasoned solvers.
The term "Nina" doesn't stem from an acronym, as some might think. Instead, it originated from the works of Al Hirschfeld, an American caricaturist renowned for his unique approach to incorporating his daughter's name, "Nina," into his drawings. This hidden name could be cleverly integrated into various elements of his illustrations, such as sleeves, hairdos, or backgrounds. Hirschfeld initiated this trend in 1945, the year his daughter was born.
Crossword setters adopted the concept of Ninas, introducing them into the realm of crosswords. While the article doesn't explicitly mention the first setter or publication to embrace this trend, it does acknowledge that Ninas have become a relatively common feature in crosswords, particularly in the Independent crossword, occasionally in the Guardian and FT.
The article also highlights the subtlety of Ninas compared to pangrams. Ninas are often so discreet that solvers may complete the entire crossword before realizing the presence of the hidden feature. Unlike pangrams, the existence of a Nina is not announced, making it a delightful surprise for those who actively seek and spot them.
The author encourages readers to actively participate by challenging them to find a Nina in a grid from another Independent crossword. This interactive element adds to the engaging nature of crossword solving, inviting enthusiasts to test their skills and share their insights in the comments section.
To further explore the concept of Ninas, the article references specific crossword puzzles, such as Guardian 24635 (Enigmatist), which features a Nina. Additionally, it provides links to previous articles in the series that cover various aspects of crossword grids, including symmetry, checking, connectivity, and pangrams.
In conclusion, the world of crossword puzzles is not only a linguistic challenge but also a canvas for hidden artistic elements like Ninas, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for those who appreciate the intricacies of crossword construction.
