Bar From Joining a Private Club, e.g., NYT Crossword Clue as of April 29, 2024

Hey there! The New York Times says crossword clues are like fun little hints that help you solve word puzzles by finding the right words. It took the Times over 20 years to start running crossword puzzles regularly, even though the publisher, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, was a crossword fan. The puzzle finally appeared in the paper after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when people needed something to occupy themselves during blackouts.

Since then, crosswords have become really popular, with enthusiasts even competing in international competitions like the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, where they try to solve puzzles as fast as they can. Now, about this clue: it suggests something that could keep someone from joining a private club, like a rule or requirement. It's a common way to talk about what might stop someone from becoming a member.

Clue

Bar from joining a private club, e.g.

Explanation

This clue, "Bar from joining a private club, e.g.," talks about things that might prevent someone from becoming a member of a private club. Private clubs are places where people gather for special activities, like sports, social events, or relaxation. However, these clubs usually have rules or requirements for becoming members. Sometimes, these rules can keep certain people from joining.

For example, a private club might have a rule that says you have to be a certain age to join. If someone is too young or too old, they can't become a member. Other clubs might have requirements about who can join, like having a specific job or belonging to a certain group. This can make it hard for people who don't meet these requirements to join.

Sometimes, the cost of joining a private club is high, which can also bar people from becoming members. If the membership fee is too expensive, not everyone can afford it. Some clubs might also require a recommendation from an existing member, which means you need to know someone in the club to get in.

If you don't know anyone, it can be a barrier. Another thing that can bar people from joining a club is a limit on the number of members. If the club is already full, they might not let new people join until someone else leaves. This can be frustrating for those who want to join but have to wait.

In some cases, private clubs might have rules that are unfair or discriminatory, keeping certain people out because of their background, gender, or other reasons. These kinds of rules are not allowed in many places, but they can still exist. So, when a clue says "bar from joining a private club," it could mean any of these reasons that stop someone from becoming a member. It might refer to a rule, a cost, or even a limit on membership.

Hints to Finding the Answer

Struggling with the clue? Here are some handy hints to point you in the right direction.

• The answer is a 9-letter word.

• The answer starts with B and ends with L.

• This word is used to describe when someone is kept out of a group or club.
• It’s named after a colored ball that can mean "no" when voting.
• If club members don't want someone to join, they might use this word.
• It sounds like what happens when someone is blocked from joining.
• Think of a voting method where a black ball means rejection or exclusion.

Answer

Amazing! You're so smart! You got it!

BLACKBALL

Explanation

"Blackball" is a term used when someone is kept out of a group, club, or organization. It's a way to say "no" when deciding if someone can join. The word comes from an old voting method where members used balls to vote. If they wanted someone to join, they used a white ball. If they didn't want them to join, they used a black ball. A single black ball was enough to reject someone.

In clubs or groups, "blackballing" means that someone has been excluded or not allowed to join. This can happen for different reasons. Sometimes it's because they don't meet certain requirements or rules. Other times, it might be because the current members don't want them in the group.

This method was common in older clubs or secret societies where members wanted to keep their group exclusive. It gave each member a way to say "no" in a secret vote without telling everyone who voted against someone. This system helped keep the voting process private.

"Blackballing" can also happen outside of clubs. It might mean that someone is left out of something or is not welcome in a group of people. This can be unfair, especially if it's because of discrimination or personal biases. Nowadays, many places don't use blackballing because it's seen as unfair or discriminatory. Instead, they have clear rules and open voting processes to avoid bias.

In summary, "blackball" is a term that comes from an old way of voting with colored balls. It's used to describe when someone is rejected or excluded from joining a group, club, or organization. It can be seen as unfair or secretive, and that's why many groups have stopped using it.

About the Paper

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger became the publisher of The New York Times in 1963, following in the footsteps of his father-in-law. He took over during a time when newspapers were changing, and he made many big changes to keep the Times up-to-date. Under his leadership, The New York Times played an important role in a famous Supreme Court case called New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in 1964.

This case was about defamation, which means saying something bad about someone that isn't true. The Supreme Court decided that public officials, like politicians, could not easily sue the media for defamation. This decision was a big deal because it helped protect the freedom of the press.

Possible Answer

SECRET HANDSHAKE

Explanation

A secret handshake is a special way to shake hands that only a specific group of people know. It's like a hidden code or a unique handshake that members of a private club or group use to recognize each other. When they meet someone who knows the same handshake, they can tell that this person is part of the same club or group.

Secret handshakes often involve extra steps or movements. For example, instead of just a regular handshake, a secret handshake might include tapping fingers in a certain way, a specific number of squeezes, or even a combination of hand movements. Because it's unique, only those in the club or group know how to do it correctly.

These handshakes are often used by private clubs or secret societies. They are like a way to keep the group exclusive, allowing members to identify each other without having to say anything. This adds an element of mystery and helps maintain the club's sense of tradition and unity.

In crossword puzzles, a clue like "Secret handshake: private club ritual and a hint to this puzzle's circles" might suggest that there's something hidden in the puzzle related to a secret handshake. It could mean that certain letters or words in the puzzle's circles create a pattern, like a handshake. Solving the puzzle might require finding this hidden pattern or code.

Overall, a secret handshake is a way for people in a group to connect without anyone else knowing what they're doing. It can be a fun way to create a sense of belonging among members, making them feel like they're part of something special and unique.

COVERT

Explanation

Private clubs are groups where people with similar interests come together to do activities, socialize, or enjoy certain benefits. Sometimes, these clubs are very open about who they are and what they do. They might have a big building with signs, advertisements, and public events. Everyone knows they exist, and it's easy to find them. However, some private clubs are not so open. These are called "covert" clubs.

A covert private club is more secretive. It's a club that doesn't advertise or tell everyone where it is or what it does. They might have hidden entrances or be located in places you wouldn't expect, like behind a regular business or inside a building without any signs. Because they are covert, you might not even know they are there unless someone tells you about them.

These clubs are usually for people who want to keep their activities private. Sometimes, they're exclusive, which means not everyone can join. They might have special rules or requirements to become members. For example, a covert club might ask that new members be recommended by someone who is already in the club. This makes it harder for just anyone to join.

Even though they are hidden, covert clubs can be very active. They have events, meetings, or parties, but these are only for members and their guests. The idea is to create a space where people can be themselves without outsiders watching. Because covert clubs are secret, they can be misunderstood.

Some people might think they do bad things because they are hidden. However, many covert clubs are just places for friends to gather in private. The key thing about these clubs is that they value privacy and exclusivity, keeping their activities out in the open only for those who are part of their group.