Welcome all cryptic crossword solvers.
Some cryptic crosswords are tough purely because local lingo is used and not understood by all, especially those living outside of Australia. This post seeks to fill this vernacular gap.
The clues listed here may contain a component not familiar to all outside of Australia.
(click on the clue number to see the inside information)
Like to add something I’ve missed to help others, or comment on a meaning, term or expression? Please leave a reply below.
Today marks the start of a new era in the life of The Stickler, largely brought about by the tremendous support shown by solvers unhappy with its cancellation in the newspaper. For a minimum of 6 months, The Stickler Weekly will appear here every Monday for free (support is requested but not mandatory). There will be a PDF version that can be downloaded and printed and an online version that should work on a computer, smartphone or tablet using just a browser.
The regular Clue Hints will also be available, as well as help for overseas solvers if applicable. The puzzle’s solution will appear at the time the next puzzle is posted, and will include a cryptic Stickler Snippet and a full listing of answers with explanations.
Those used to The Boxer in The Courier Mail or The Saturday Cryptic in The Adelaide Advertiser will feel right at home with The Stickler Weekly, as the difficulty level is very similiar.
The continuation and possible expansion of this service will depend solely on the ongoing support and generosity of solvers.
Click here for The Stickler Weekly 1
Best
The Stickler
David Stickley
If you’ve been doing The Courier Mail crosswords during the week, you probably guessed that my Saturday cryptic would be affected. Due to changes by News Ltd that impacted the puzzles all four metro papers, The Courier Mail Boxer cryptic will no longer be published.
I’ve had a great time (hopefully) entertaining you and will miss not writing one of the few, new, Australian, 15×15 cryptics in News Ltd publications.
Unfortunately, this loss, along with others associated with this change, means my crossword business is no longer viable. I was able to turn a hobby into a business, but publishing has changed, and it’s time to move on. Some work remains and will continue, but not enough to make ends meet. I want to thank you, the solvers, for coming along with me on an amazing journey, and News Ltd for giving me the unique opportunity to earn a living from just writing crosswords.
I’m faced with a career change at 51, with crossword-compiling skills and rusty IT skills to offer. I’m methodical and a stickler (don’t you know it!). If anyone out there has a job for me, I’m up for just about anything (contact me).
Many thanks to all,
David Stickley
If you’ve been doing The Adelaide Advertiser crosswords during the week, you probably guessed that my Saturday cryptic would be affected. Due to changes by News Ltd that impacted the puzzles all four metro papers, The Adelaide Advertiser Saturday cryptic by David Stickley will no longer be published.
I’ve had a great time (hopefully) entertaining you and will miss not writing one of the few, new, Australian, 15×15 cryptics in News Ltd publications.
Unfortunately, this loss, along with others associated with this change, means my crossword business is no longer viable. I was able to turn a hobby into a business, but publishing has changed, and it’s time to move on. Some work remains and will continue, but not enough to make ends meet. I want to thank you, the solvers, for coming along with me on an amazing journey, and News Ltd for giving me the unique opportunity to earn a living from just writing crosswords.
I’m faced with a career change at 51, with crossword-compiling skills and rusty IT skills to offer. I’m methodical and a stickler (don’t you know it!). If anyone out there has a job for me, I’m up for just about anything (contact me).
Many thanks to all,
David Stickley
Due to changes by News Ltd to puzzle pages in four metro papers, The Stickler will no longer be published. This ends a 4786-puzzle labour of love. The Stickler has been the only new, daily, 15×15, Australian cryptic to appear in any News Ltd publication in the last 15 years.
I want to thank my faithful solvers, some of which have been with me from the start. I also want to thank News Ltd for taking me on 15 years ago, giving me the opportunity to turn a hobby into a career. Unfortunately this loss, along with other weekly losses brought about through this change, means the end of my crossword business. Some work remains and will continue. I’m one of the few people in the world to have made a living writing crosswords full-time, something not possible without The Stickler.
I’m faced with a career change at 51, with crossword-compiling skills and rusty IT skills to offer. I’m methodical and a stickler (don’t you know it!). If anyone out there has a job for me, I’m up for just about anything (contact me).
Many thanks to all,
David Stickley
David Stickley has been writing crosswords professionally since 1995. His cryptic puzzle, The Stickler, reached number 4786 before being axed in July 2013 due to cutbacks. In 2024 David and his wife Linda secured a weekly cryptic and quick slot in The SMH and The Age. David has also been published in the NYT, the UK's FT and Church Times.
Stickler Boxed Sets now available. Find out more
Stickler Cap now available. Find out more
