The 'Common Cause of Goosebumps' crossword clue, recently seen in the Universal crossword puzzle, posed a challenge to puzzle enthusiasts across the globe. The clue required players to find the most commonly used word associated with the sensation of goosebumps– an involuntary response of the skin caused by a sudden fright or intense emotion.
In this article, we will delve into the possible answers and their implications, as well as provide a historical perspective on the origins of this crossword clue.
Potential Answers and their Implications
One of the top potential answers to the 'Common Cause of Goosebumps' crossword clue is the word FEAR. fear is a universal emotion that has been experienced by humans since our early days. It is the body's natural reaction to threat or danger, and can cause a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and the sensation of being startled. The ancient Egyptians associated the sound of the cry of a scared cat with fear, while the ancient Greeks linked the sight of a person wearing a mask to a sense of danger and fear. In modern society, fear is a common theme in literature, film, and television, often representing the unknown or the uncontrollable.
Another potential answer is SCARE, which is defined as causing someone to feel fear or to cause someone to react in a fearsome or exciting manner. Scary movies and恐怖游戏 have been commercial successes, contributing to the popularization of the word. The human brain has evolved to associate the sound of fear with the sensation of goosebumps, as seen in experiments where subjects were shown videos of snakes or spiders and had to rate their fear level and the extent of goosebumps experienced.
Historical Perspective
The concept of goosebumps, or 'rhusche', has been recognized for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed that the skin became goosebumbed due to the excitement caused by the gods. Similarly, the Vikings believed the same, linking the feeling with mystical powers. The 19th century German poet Heinrich Heine wrote that 'The rhusche of joy is indescribable', while the 20th century poet Rainer Maria Rilke used the phrase 'Ruhige Fläche' in his poem 'Aschenrot'.
In the realm of crosswords, the concept of goosebumps has appeared in various puzzles over the years. The first known crossword puzzle, the 'Logarithm Crossword', which appeared in the German edition of Reader'sDigest in 1948, featured a clue asking players to guess the meaning of the word 'Ruhige Fläche', which translates to 'Restful field'. More recently, the 'New York Times' crossword puzzle has included a clue asking players to find the origin of the word 'goosebumps', leading to the inclusion of 'FEAR' and 'SCARE' as potential answers.
The 'Common Cause of Goosebumps' crossword clue, though previously unresolved by players, is now resolved. While the precise etymology of goosebumps remains uncertain, it is clear that the feeling is deeply intertwined with human psychology and has inspired artists, writers, and adventurers alike. The ability to experience fear and the sensation of goosebumps are primal human responses that continue to captivate us today.
