iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Zooming out, I have found myself multiple times debating whether or not to hyphenate. It comes up rather often while setting. Like many, I initially learned (wrongly, I’d say) that “punctuation can reliably be ignored” in cryptics. Prob just personal, but hyphens & commas are often trickiest for me

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Thanks for these points, much appreciated

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In brief, take “coffee cup”: - in the system of grammar I work in, coffee is an adjective because function is prioritized; I believe much UK grammar would have coffee as an adjunct noun, a term I had to look up. Learning such distinctions will help me to grok more conversations, esp re: cryptics.

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11a is so funny, and I’m enjoyed the rest so far too

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This is very interesting to me, and I will follow up later when I’m not driving. Thank you.

You are normal, well-adjusted human being. I, on the other hand, might have a Part 2 in the works 🤦🏼‍♂️

I feel a little better

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I think so maybe, like in the top-right These things unboundedly = pest Btw: probably dumb but just for fun, I aim to find a way to 🦆/🐇 capture a clue’s surface & cryptic grammars in a single diagram (perhaps along with the other readings that are also available/distracting). No luck thus far ☺️

I suppose the post-noun adjective could be read as a predicate adjective following an implied linking verb (are). noun - linking verb - predicate adj That would be technically accurate, yet strained. (Feel free to ignore me!)

Punctuation question, thanks in advance Are the hyphens unfair and/or tacky here? “Snub kiss and cancel out-of-bounds pest (8)” They improve the surface, but I regret them because they turn an implied verb phrase - (are) out of bounds - into a post-noun adjective. Do you think that matters?

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That’s a great looking hat

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Does “convenient for administration” mean to not eat them?

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Apologies to early solvers who encountered the nonsensical first version of this clue. Hope it didn’t ruin the solve, though it might have.

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tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Thanks very much for solving - well done! Hope you're feeling better soon.

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Also immortalized in TCM’s Noir Alley intro

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tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I didn’t have a ton of time, but 1d is so good

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tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I hope to try this today during lunch. I enjoy your work

tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Thanks Joe - I’ll look forward to checking out your puzzle. (I saw your other replay too; I remember 18a needing countless iterations to come close to working - glad you enjoyed 😁)

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Oh I believe it. Wish there was a way to “buy you a coffee” or some such. I’ve gotten so much value from your work (and I use ‘fodule’ in my self-talk all the time).

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Fyi, I tried to find your cryptic grammar guide today through your website and couldn't. Is it not live yet? Happily, I can still get there through this direct link ☝️ Just wanted to let you know Thanks, Charlie.

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Mini crossword No 115 · MyCrossword

The Special Instructions read: “At least half of the answers are 'obscure' — see the first comment for help. Or, for an even better time, check out @coot.bsky.social’s Mini No 115!” … located here 👇 #NonwordWords

mycrossword.co.uk

Solve Mini crossword No 115 on MyCrossword. 7x7 grid with 6 clues by Coot. Published Wed 20 Aug 2025. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

For me, the puzzle was really hard, but I’m glad I stuck with it because it contained many delights.

Not the best def but a neat structure

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tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

From logic and idealism, lasting work emerges (7) 📕

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That video was one of the first things we discussed on our podcast. From the 10:00-15:00 mark, spoiler-free if interested.

youtube.com

Episode 1: Official Unofficial Version

YouTube video by Cafe Unconscious

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tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

To be fair, @skirwingle.bsky.social might be the only person familiar with each solution word, but y’all should try it anyway! 🙌

tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I thought it was a good video in terms with many citations used to support his claims (which differ from my interpretations). The faux-arrogant persuasion strategy didn’t bother me and certainly worked to draw him a great deal of attention. He pretty much ignores Frost though, so… it’s iffy by def.