NYT Crossword Editor Apologizes For Racial Slur Featured In Puzzle

I didn’t realize people still actively participated in NYT’s crossword puzzles. Heck, I haven’t seen a person hold a physical newspaper in ages. I only buy one once a year– on Thanksgiving morning. I just love looking at the Black Friday ads.

Apparently, some people are still into NYT’s crossword puzzles, but word has it some sort of racial slur slipped in there, and the editor issued an apology and explanation.

The offensive word at hand? “Beaner.” According to the Google machine, it’s “derogatory slang for Mexicans or people of Mexican descent. The term originates from the prevalence of pinto beans and other beans in Mexican cuisine.”

A response from Will Shortz about the entry 2D in today's crossword puzzle. #NYTXW pic.twitter.com/WEF1MCw0AP

— NYTimes Wordplay (@NYTimesWordplay) January 1, 2019

I’m gonna be honest. I’ve never heard that slur before either.

A spokesman for NYT condemned the entry.

“Tuesday’s Crossword puzzle included an entry that was offensive and hurtful,” a spokesperson for the New York Times told TheWrap. “It is simply not acceptable in The New York Times Crossword and we apologize for including it.”

NYT is finally getting a taste of its own medicine. The word police are going after the ACTUAL WORD GUYS.

It's not a good look for the NYTimes when someone points out an obviously offensive puzzle answer prior to publication and the editor's reaction is, "Meh. I've never been offended by that word, so I'll let the answer stand." I think you guys can do better.

— James McEvoy (@mcjim311) January 1, 2019

Count me among those who think if a word is easily identified as a slur, don't use it even if there's "legitimate" definitions. I vote you rethink this opinion strongly.

— Matt (@flamingbear) January 1, 2019

You know, it’s better to apologize and say you made a mistake than to try to explain away your mistake.

— medusa 🚀🐉 (@chicspace) January 2, 2019

It's not really fair to demand that a person who designs puzzles based on words and their meaning actually know what the words they use mean.

— Flazlo (@jerry1250) January 3, 2019

I was seriously upset by this slur. Shame!

— Pamela Kelly (@pamelakelly) January 2, 2019

Once is an unfortunate coincidence. Twice is the editor asleep at the wheel while the contributor plays them for fools. Three times is the editor being fully aware of what the contributor is doing.

— Jorge APB (@ZefMex) January 2, 2019

I grew up in Mexico where we speak Spanish so I wouldn’t have to have heard the word; even so, I heard it in movies as an offensive slur and had to make the connection from beans=frijoles. Since I moved to the US, I’ve never heard it used otherwise (or at all; my friends r nice)

— andrea•en•chicago (@andreaomn) January 2, 2019

Maybe next time a person of color gives you the heads up that a word is a slur you will listen.

— State Your Name (@exubesq) January 1, 2019

That’s a no-apology apology if ever I’ve heard one.

— Lisa Finkel (@LolcatLisa) January 1, 2019

There’s more where that came from. Thoughts?