【明報專訊】Dr Panda is really into solving crossword puzzles, but he's stuck on one word. Who can help him?

“ Dr Panda: Could you guys please help me out? I'm stuck on this one. ”

“ Dr Panda: The clue is ''a day everybody enjoys in December ''. ”

“ Dr Panda: It's Crossword Puzzle Day soon... ''crossword'' does fit，but there aren't spaces for "puzzle day"... But what else could be more enjoyable than crosswords? ”

“ Dr Panda: It's ''Christmas''! ”

■Culture tips

Crossword Puzzle Day

The first modern crossword puzzle was published on 21 December 1913 in a newspaper called New York World. It was created by Arthur Wynne, an English journalist who moved to the US when he was 19.

A recent study carried out on people aged 50 or above suggests that those who solve crosswords regularly have brain functions equivalent to those of people 10 years younger. Scientists are now exploring if there is a causal relationship between doing crosswords and reducing risks of dementia (認知障礙症).

■English highway﹕Not have a clue

A "clue" in crosswords is a piece of information that helps you to solve the puzzle. “Not have a clue” means to be completely unable to guess, understand, or deal with something.

e.g. I haven't a clue what you're talking about.

■Glossary

journalist (n) 記者

equivalent (adj) 相等的

causal relationship (n) 因果關係

risk (n) 風險

[Smarties' Power English 第202期]