Steve Mossberg
@mossdef.bsky.social
Music teacher/crossword maker. Mog in The Independent, myself in the WSJ and elsewhere. Cryptics editor at AVCX. he/him
patreon.com/squarechase
patreon.com/squarechase
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
Always love @francisheaney.bsky.social's difficulty ratings! I've got this week's AVCX cryptic -- free to subscribers, or buy for $1! Big thanks for the expert editing, @naytnaytnayt.bsky.social, such a pleasure to work with you. avxwords.com/buy-individu...
November 14, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Always love @francisheaney.bsky.social's difficulty ratings! I've got this week's AVCX cryptic -- free to subscribers, or buy for $1! Big thanks for the expert editing, @naytnaytnayt.bsky.social, such a pleasure to work with you. avxwords.com/buy-individu...
Sega's hedgehog holds variable speed for many players (9)
It's always a pleasure to be back in The Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
It's always a pleasure to be back in The Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Sega's hedgehog holds variable speed for many players (9)
It's always a pleasure to be back in The Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
It's always a pleasure to be back in The Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Sara's Halloween cryptic is an annual highlight in The Browser. No time like the present to check out all five of them if you haven't!
My fifth Hallowe'en special for the Browser is up! If the tone is melancholy, it's because the Browser cryptic crossword is ending as of December. Huge thanks to Uri and Dan for providing such a fabulous venue for North American cryptics, helping so many of us get our start and practice our chops.
October 26, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Sara's Halloween cryptic is an annual highlight in The Browser. No time like the present to check out all five of them if you haven't!
Crossword's conclusion leaves spirit low (3)
@danfeyer.bsky.social at The Browser Crossword was the first editor to take a chance on me as a beginning cryptic setter, so I thought I'd make a little tribute puzzle on the blog.
I hope it brightens your day!
squarepursuit.com/2025/10/22/s...
@danfeyer.bsky.social at The Browser Crossword was the first editor to take a chance on me as a beginning cryptic setter, so I thought I'd make a little tribute puzzle on the blog.
I hope it brightens your day!
squarepursuit.com/2025/10/22/s...
So Long, and Thanks for All the Cryptics
Hello, cryptic lovers! I don’t do a lot of full-sized puzzles over here these days, but I can think of no better way to pay tribute to The Browser Crossword and its editor extraordinaire Dan Feyer,…
squarepursuit.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Crossword's conclusion leaves spirit low (3)
@danfeyer.bsky.social at The Browser Crossword was the first editor to take a chance on me as a beginning cryptic setter, so I thought I'd make a little tribute puzzle on the blog.
I hope it brightens your day!
squarepursuit.com/2025/10/22/s...
@danfeyer.bsky.social at The Browser Crossword was the first editor to take a chance on me as a beginning cryptic setter, so I thought I'd make a little tribute puzzle on the blog.
I hope it brightens your day!
squarepursuit.com/2025/10/22/s...
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
I've had a go at a puzzle for the American market in @avcx.bsky.social . avxwords.com. Thanks to @francisheaney.bsky.social for getting it in shape. I was advised against too much depressing reality, but was allowed one:
Perhaps Trump and Musk supporting introduction of fascism (5)
Perhaps Trump and Musk supporting introduction of fascism (5)
AVCX – Crosswords for the (not) faint of heart.
avxwords.com
October 19, 2025 at 12:16 AM
I've had a go at a puzzle for the American market in @avcx.bsky.social . avxwords.com. Thanks to @francisheaney.bsky.social for getting it in shape. I was advised against too much depressing reality, but was allowed one:
Perhaps Trump and Musk supporting introduction of fascism (5)
Perhaps Trump and Musk supporting introduction of fascism (5)
Too American to lead English orchestra (4)
Dwelling as The Beatles were in Hamburg? (6)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Dwelling as The Beatles were in Hamburg? (6)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Too American to lead English orchestra (4)
Dwelling as The Beatles were in Hamburg? (6)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Dwelling as The Beatles were in Hamburg? (6)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Quick thing I gotta go do (4)
the sun is setting over the ocean with clouds in the sky .
Alt: a setting sun
media.tenor.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Quick thing I gotta go do (4)
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
Mel Taub, the former Puns and Anagrams constructor and prince of puns, has died at 97. Obit written by the incomparable Penelope Green.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/c...
Mel Taub, Creator of a Pun-Loving Puzzle, Is Dead at 97
www.nytimes.com
September 24, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Mel Taub, the former Puns and Anagrams constructor and prince of puns, has died at 97. Obit written by the incomparable Penelope Green.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/c...
Me today:
Wishes for a sweet new year, and has at nova spread (5,4)
Wishes for a sweet new year, and has at nova spread (5,4)
September 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Me today:
Wishes for a sweet new year, and has at nova spread (5,4)
Wishes for a sweet new year, and has at nova spread (5,4)
Dictator's hurt nation's capital (4)
Delay evident in reactions to new allegations (9)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
Delay evident in reactions to new allegations (9)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
September 16, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Dictator's hurt nation's capital (4)
Delay evident in reactions to new allegations (9)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
Delay evident in reactions to new allegations (9)
I set today's Independent #cryptic #crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
90 is a lot of puzzles, David. 🐙
September 15, 2025 at 10:02 AM
90 is a lot of puzzles, David. 🐙
I used to make these Quiptics to help my fellow North Americans grasp the more deceptive UK cluing style by limiting the wordplay devices to one per clue. Every once in a while I get the urge to set a few more for my old blog. Here's a new batch. squarepursuit.com/2025/08/19/q... #cryptic #crossword
Quiptic Pack 2025 (#52-60)
Ah, hello, Quiptic solvers! It’s been such a long time. I hope you’re doing well! I know I haven’t shown up here in a while, but I’ve been busy with a bunch of other stuff. …
squarepursuit.com
August 19, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I used to make these Quiptics to help my fellow North Americans grasp the more deceptive UK cluing style by limiting the wordplay devices to one per clue. Every once in a while I get the urge to set a few more for my old blog. Here's a new batch. squarepursuit.com/2025/08/19/q... #cryptic #crossword
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
In life things are rarely black and white. Except peppermint patties. People either love them or hate them.
July 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
In life things are rarely black and white. Except peppermint patties. People either love them or hate them.
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
I have a beginner-level mini #cryptic #crossword out on AVCX (@avcx.bsky.social). It's been fun working with @mossdef.bsky.social as editor. Do subscribe/buy if you can!
avxwords.com/puzzles/1857/
avxwords.com/puzzles/1857/
Puzzle – AVCX
avxwords.com
June 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
I have a beginner-level mini #cryptic #crossword out on AVCX (@avcx.bsky.social). It's been fun working with @mossdef.bsky.social as editor. Do subscribe/buy if you can!
avxwords.com/puzzles/1857/
avxwords.com/puzzles/1857/
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
Mog day in the Indy! Always good fun
// @mossdef.bsky.social
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
// @mossdef.bsky.social
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
June 16, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Mog day in the Indy! Always good fun
// @mossdef.bsky.social
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
// @mossdef.bsky.social
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
It was a real pleasure editing this one, and not a cryptic to sleep on if you're up for the challenge!
Delighted to be back in @avcx.bsky.social with another puzzle, edited by @mossdef.bsky.social. It’s a 15x cryptic with no shenanigans other than, you know, everything. avxwords.com/puzzles/1846/
Puzzle – AVCXTwitterFacebookTwitterFacebook
avxwords.com
June 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
It was a real pleasure editing this one, and not a cryptic to sleep on if you're up for the challenge!
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
We are less than $700 away from our goal, with one day left!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has helped us get here!!
Fundraising ends tomorrow, Saturday, May 31. Don’t wait until the last minute!
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has helped us get here!!
Fundraising ends tomorrow, Saturday, May 31. Don’t wait until the last minute!
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
May 30, 2025 at 5:32 PM
We are less than $700 away from our goal, with one day left!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has helped us get here!!
Fundraising ends tomorrow, Saturday, May 31. Don’t wait until the last minute!
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has helped us get here!!
Fundraising ends tomorrow, Saturday, May 31. Don’t wait until the last minute!
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
The absolute highlight of my puzzling year, every year!
✨Editor Spotlight✨
@mossdef.bsky.social (he/him) is a music educator and crossword maker living in the Boston area. He knows bodily integrity is a basic human right & that access to abortions is a key part of it.
Steve is our incredible variety/cryptic editor!
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
@mossdef.bsky.social (he/him) is a music educator and crossword maker living in the Boston area. He knows bodily integrity is a basic human right & that access to abortions is a key part of it.
Steve is our incredible variety/cryptic editor!
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
May 26, 2025 at 9:42 PM
The absolute highlight of my puzzling year, every year!
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
Want to hear a cool story about reproductive justice, mutual aid, and crossword puzzles?
Let me tell you about These Puzzles Fund Abortion (www.abortionpuzzles.com / @tpfa.bsky.social), a crossword puzzle fundraiser that has raised over $350,000 in five years for abortion funds.
1/9
Let me tell you about These Puzzles Fund Abortion (www.abortionpuzzles.com / @tpfa.bsky.social), a crossword puzzle fundraiser that has raised over $350,000 in five years for abortion funds.
1/9
these puzzles fund abortion
www.abortionpuzzles.com
May 9, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Want to hear a cool story about reproductive justice, mutual aid, and crossword puzzles?
Let me tell you about These Puzzles Fund Abortion (www.abortionpuzzles.com / @tpfa.bsky.social), a crossword puzzle fundraiser that has raised over $350,000 in five years for abortion funds.
1/9
Let me tell you about These Puzzles Fund Abortion (www.abortionpuzzles.com / @tpfa.bsky.social), a crossword puzzle fundraiser that has raised over $350,000 in five years for abortion funds.
1/9
Monster herb is leek in the end (8)
It's Mog again in @the-independent.com cryptic crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
It's Mog again in @the-independent.com cryptic crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
May 5, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Monster herb is leek in the end (8)
It's Mog again in @the-independent.com cryptic crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
It's Mog again in @the-independent.com cryptic crossword. I hope it brightens your day!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
New color; color has no limits! (3) #cryptic
Scientists have invented (or discovered?) a new color called “olo”. “Verifying that [the] participants had indeed seen a novel color was tricky. Only one person witnesses the experience of color: the person who sees it.” [theatlantic.com]
The ‘Profound’ Experience of Seeing a New Color
The ecstasy of “olo”
www.theatlantic.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:44 PM
New color; color has no limits! (3) #cryptic
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
We reached $30K this week! 🤑
That’s 6,000 💵 EACH to
@baltimorefund.bsky.social
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund
Chicago Abortion Fund
@iwrising.bsky.social
Mariposa Fund
We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to and shared our campaign!
Thank you, thank you!! 💜
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
That’s 6,000 💵 EACH to
@baltimorefund.bsky.social
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund
Chicago Abortion Fund
@iwrising.bsky.social
Mariposa Fund
We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to and shared our campaign!
Thank you, thank you!! 💜
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
April 19, 2025 at 11:31 AM
We reached $30K this week! 🤑
That’s 6,000 💵 EACH to
@baltimorefund.bsky.social
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund
Chicago Abortion Fund
@iwrising.bsky.social
Mariposa Fund
We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to and shared our campaign!
Thank you, thank you!! 💜
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
That’s 6,000 💵 EACH to
@baltimorefund.bsky.social
Tampa Bay Abortion Fund
Chicago Abortion Fund
@iwrising.bsky.social
Mariposa Fund
We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to and shared our campaign!
Thank you, thank you!! 💜
fund.nnaf.org/tpfa
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
Episode 3 of Crosstalk with @sidsivakumar.bsky.social is out now!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1sq5...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1sq5...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
April 16, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Episode 3 of Crosstalk with @sidsivakumar.bsky.social is out now!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1sq5...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1sq5...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Reposted by Steve Mossberg
Credit to the constructors of this puzzle, @naytnaytnayt.bsky.social and @enriqueha.bsky.social !
✨(CRYPTIC) Clue of the Week✨
This week we are featuring a clue from the cryptic/variety section of TPFA. The answer is a word that should be very familiar to our followers 😉
Want more? TPFA5 has seven puzzles in the cryptic/variety section. Donate at fund.nnaf.org/tpfa to get your pack!
This week we are featuring a clue from the cryptic/variety section of TPFA. The answer is a word that should be very familiar to our followers 😉
Want more? TPFA5 has seven puzzles in the cryptic/variety section. Donate at fund.nnaf.org/tpfa to get your pack!
April 14, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Credit to the constructors of this puzzle, @naytnaytnayt.bsky.social and @enriqueha.bsky.social !
80 is a lot of puzzles, David. 🐙
April 14, 2025 at 9:16 PM
80 is a lot of puzzles, David. 🐙