I’m writing this blog post from bed (a time when it’s useful to have a laptop). Normally, I don’t get to bed quite this early, but my partner needs to be up at the crack of 3:30, and can’t easily fall asleep alone.
I’m musing on this week’s puzzle given by Will Shortz on NPR. It is as follows:
“What is the longest familiar phrase, title or name in which the only consonants are N and T, repeated as often as necessary? The other letters are vowels. Try to think of an answer with at least 18 letters.”
I’ve come up with a few 18-letter phrases that fit the bill, except that they aren’t familiar at all. Nonetheless, the words might be used to make up the answer.
I was thinking that longer words would help, but it could be that what’s needed are several short words. Here are words I’ve come up with that only use those 2 consonants:
- attention
- nation
- attenuation
- inattention
- tone
- note
- nine
- in
- at
- to
- into
- tenant
- tint
- tiny
- intent
- intention
- inane
- inanity
Anyone have other words to suggest? Note: if you know the answer, or an answer, don’t post it – I don’t want it spoiled.