Okay, not really. But Shortz and a fan got into a little spat over the definition of the word “illin'” and it’s inclusion as a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle. For those of you who don’t know him, Shortz is the NYT crossword editor, and seems to be a pretty nice guy.
A clue in Saturday’s New York Times crossword has caused an Internet uproar over the correct meaning of the word “illin’.”
The divisive clue, 28-down, read, “Wack, in hip-hop,” and the correct answer provided was ILLIN.
UPDATE: Colbert had a field day with this, and invited Mike D from the Beastie Boys up to discuss. According to Mike D, Shortz is wrong.