[gretch]

> The crossword has a similar sort of unwritten rule, maybe not as strict, but really hard technical words seldom appear.

Not my experience at all.

Ask me how I know what an EPEE is

[rhplus]

EPEE is a common fill word from a lexicon informally known as crosswordese.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosswordese

Really no harder than memorizing all the 2 and 3 letter words in Scrabble and many players will pick most up in a few months.

[cyode]

I didn’t know it was called crosswordese! I wonder what the most common term used is. As a very occasional player, for some reason ARIA, IBIS, and VENI/VIDI/VICI stick out, but I’m sure it’s actually one with an E.

[Suppafly]

certain crossword authors like certain words, there is one that almost always uses OREO in their puzzles.

[thaumasiotes]

An épée is one of three types of sword used in the three styles of Western fencing. As such, it's about as technical as, say, the words "touchdown" or "mitt".

It's also just the regular French word that means "sword". But although crossword puzzles frequently ask you to know common French words, I've never seen one clue the answer EPEE that way.

[seanhunter]

Epee is not an obscure word. It's an olympic event for goodness sake.

[TimorousBestie]

> Ask me how I know what an EPEE is

That’s when you’re like, only tangentially involved with the making of a movie or tv show, but too famous to go without a credit?

[busyant]

> EPEE

They love that one.

[wombatpm]

If you took fencing at an Ivy League school for you PR requirement you would know all about foil, saber, and epee fencing. Not everyone gets to row crew.

[enlyth]

And any 4 letter instrument is usually OBOE and a fish related clue is EELS

[ted_bunny]

Ah yes, good old ARA Parseghian. That guy.