Shh! Fido!

People sometimes ask me whether I’m a dog person or a cat person - to which I usually reply that I’m just a person, and I’m a little concerned you thought that I was partially either of those animals. If I had a furry suit on, sure, it’s a valid question, but usually I’m just wearing my street clothes. To my animal preferences, though, I’m happy to give pets to anything willing to receive pets - our neighbourhood cats will attest to this.

This week’s puzzle has been described as “a cute theme” by my faithful test solver, so I’ve got that going for me, which is nice. I hope you enjoy it too!

Discussion (and spoilers!) below the break.

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Shh! Fido! by Brandon Cathcart

Discussion

This theme started with realizing that “hushpuppy” could be a phrase, and I’m glad I was able to make a puzzle out of it. A few fun paired-clues and references later, and we’ve got a fun place to quoth Shakespeare and celebrate Johnny Bravo. Here’s this week’s bonafide 80’s jam.

Today’s Theme

This week’s theme could be considered an apt pair - two words or phrases that share a fun commonality. In this case, HUSH PUPPY and DOWN DOG are two ways of telling your pet to be quiet that are also things wholly unrelated (a deep-fried treat and a yoga position). Simple but cute :)

Behind the Clues

11A/12A. I love clue pairs and this is one of a few in this puzzle - definitely the most direction, since they have the exact same clue and they’re beside each other! [Fishy sushi feature] could be AHI tuna or those little orange balls, ROE. I don’t like thinking too hard about roe but I do love sushi.

23A. Never have I ever been someone who [Uses a photocopier on their butt, say], or SCANS my butt. Was this ever a thing? Or is it just a goofy TV trope? If you’ve ever received a photocopied butt via fax or email, please let me know.

2D. I started to love Shakespeare more once I realized how often they’re insulting each other. ["THOU hast no more brain than I have in mine elbows" (Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida)] is an absolute roast and I love it.

7D. 7 Wonders is one of my favourite modern, Euro-style board games, so I was happy to be able to reference it in the puzzle. [The Hanging Gardens of ___, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (and a city in the 7 Wonders board game)] is BABYLON and I encourage you to go play as Babylon in a game at your local board game cafe.

15D. [An absolutely incorrect way of describing Johnny Bravo] is CHINLESS, both physically and metaphorically. Not only is his face half chin with his big, square jaw, but he gives “big chin energy”, I’ve decided. I wanted to reference The Crimson Chin, but alas it was too tough without using “chin” in the clue.

23D. I grew up with Veggietales in my family, and regardless of the overtly religious themes, they do make some lowkey bops. One of which has a chorus that I will never forget. ["They told us STAND (STAND up, STAND up) / For what you believe in, believe in..." ("STAND Up!" from VeggieTales, forever etched in my brain)] has a great horns section.

I hope you enjoyed this puzzle!

Until next Friday,

Brandon