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What is the derivation of the word "toetw", which is used in crossword puzzles to mean "a lightly scented perfume"?

Question #148146. Asked by Verbonica.
Last updated Nov 18 2020.
Originally posted Nov 18 2020 3:06 AM.

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WesleyCrusher star
Answer has 7 votes
Currently Best Answer
WesleyCrusher star
Moderator
16 year member
180 replies avatar

Answer has 7 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
It seems you found this here:

link https://www.crosswordgiant.com/crossword-puzzle/53614/New-York-Times/2013-12-19

If you look closely, the listing of answers shows several "W". These are meant to mean "WATER". (WSKI, ICEW, SEAW).

It was likely a special crossword that excluded certain letter patterns or a messed up transcription as the list also includes "ETVOA" for "Cry at an unveiling", which would obviously be ETVOILA.

If we add back the missing IL, AT and ER, we get TOILETWATER.

Response last updated by WesleyCrusher on Nov 18 2020.
Nov 18 2020, 3:23 AM
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AyatollahK star
Answer has 2 votes
AyatollahK star
17 year member
713 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
Agree with the answer, but just want to add that the puzzle is about "oil" and "water" going together, in which O can be "oil" and W can be "water". So TOETW, adding in the oil and water, becomes TO[il]ETW[ater].

Nov 18 2020, 3:59 PM
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