Indian mini crosswords blend classic crossword rules with Bollywood, cricket, Hinglish, and desi culture. Here’s how to approach them.
1. Know the clue types
Indian crosswords use the same basic types as Western ones: definitions, wordplay (anagrams, hidden words, charades), and sometimes double definitions. The difference is the vocabulary: film titles, cricketers, Hindi/Urdu words, and Hinglish slang often appear as answers or in the wording of clues.
2. Bollywood and cricket clues
Many clues reference films, songs, actors, or cricket (players, terms, moments). If you’re stuck, think about famous names, movie titles, or common cricket phrases. Even a partial crossing letter can narrow it down.
3. Hinglish and desi words
Answers may be in Hinglish (Hindi–English mix) or common desi terms. Words like “jugaad”, “yaar”, “chai”, or “bindaas” are fair game. The clue will usually point to something distinctly Indian or colloquial.
4. Start with the gimmes
Fill in clues you’re sure about first. Crossings will give you letters for harder clues. In a mini, a few confident answers often unlock the rest.
5. Use the timer wisely
On MG Mini, you have a target time (e.g. 5 minutes). Use “Check” sparingly to avoid score penalties. Revealing letters or words is there if you’re stuck, but solving without help gives a better score and time bonus.