A little suitcase carried by the hip crossword clue – sounds quirky, right? It’s a phrase that immediately conjures up images: a stylish traveler, perhaps, or a mischievous character in a mystery novel. This seemingly simple clue actually opens up a world of possibilities, leading us down a rabbit hole of wordplay, visual interpretations, and creative problem-solving. We’ll explore the potential answers, delve into the nuances of the clue’s wording, and even throw in some fun wordplay along the way.
Get ready to unpack the mystery!
The size and shape of the suitcase are crucial. “Little” suggests something easily manageable, maybe a satchel or a small carry-on. The fact it’s carried on the hip implies a certain level of portability and perhaps a need to keep it close. Materials could range from leather to canvas, depending on the intended use and style. We might imagine a bustling airport, a hurried business trip, or even a secret agent on a clandestine mission – all scenarios where a small, hip-carried suitcase could play a part.
The possibilities are surprisingly diverse!
Understanding the Clue’s Context
The crossword clue “little suitcase carried by the hip” presents a specific image: a small, portable bag worn close to the body. Understanding the nuances of this description requires examining the size, shape, materials, and typical usage scenarios of such a bag. The context suggests a piece of luggage smaller and more manageable than a standard checked suitcase, designed for convenient, hands-free carrying.The implication of “little” is crucial.
It signifies a diminutive size, likely too small for extended travel or carrying significant amounts of clothing or items. The suitcase’s dimensions would probably be suitable for a single overnight stay or carrying essential items for a short trip or event. This size restriction directly influences the method of carrying; it must be lightweight and compact enough to be comfortably worn on the hip, implying a strap or belt system for secure attachment.
This limits the possible shapes to those which conform to the body’s contours, possibly a rectangular, cylindrical, or slightly curved design.
Suitcase Dimensions and Shape, A little suitcase carried by the hip crossword clue
A hip-carried suitcase would likely be relatively flat and narrow to prevent awkwardness or discomfort during movement. The typical dimensions might range from approximately 10 to 15 inches in length, 6 to 10 inches in height, and 3 to 5 inches in width. The exact size would depend on the intended use and the manufacturer’s design. Shapes could vary; a slim, rectangular design would be suitable for easy attachment to a hip belt, while a slightly curved shape might conform more comfortably to the body.
Larger or bulkier shapes would be impractical for hip carrying.
Suitcase Materials
The materials used in constructing a hip-carried suitcase would prioritize lightweight durability and water resistance. Common materials include durable nylon or canvas for the outer shell, offering protection against minor impacts and inclement weather. Lighter, more flexible materials such as ripstop nylon are also suitable, as are synthetic leather alternatives. Interior lining might consist of a smooth, water-resistant fabric to protect the contents.
The choice of material would be influenced by factors like cost, desired durability, and aesthetic appeal. Metal hardware, such as buckles and zippers, would be crucial for secure closure and attachment to a hip belt.
Situations for Hip-Carried Suitcases
Several situations might necessitate carrying a small suitcase on one’s hip. For example, a musician might carry a small case containing their instrument’s accessories. Similarly, a photographer might opt for a hip-carried bag for quick access to essential equipment during a photoshoot. A courier or delivery person might find a hip bag practical for carrying small, valuable packages.
Furthermore, travelers on short trips or attending events might prefer a small, hip-worn suitcase for hands-free convenience, carrying only essential items like a change of clothes, toiletries, and personal documents. The ease of access and the hands-free nature of hip carrying makes it suitable for situations demanding mobility and quick access to contents.
Exploring Possible Crossword Answers

Source: ruitertassen.com
The crossword clue “Little suitcase carried by the hip” requires careful consideration of both the literal and figurative meanings. The phrase suggests a small, portable container worn close to the body, implying a connection to fashion or personal belongings. Several words could potentially fit this description, depending on the intended word length and the solver’s knowledge of colloquialisms.
The following analysis explores five potential crossword answers, examining their suitability based on the clue’s nuances. Each answer’s connection to the clue is explained, highlighting both commonalities and differences between them. This analysis considers both literal interpretations (a small bag worn on the hip) and more figurative interpretations (something small and easily carried that’s closely associated with a person).
Potential Crossword Answers and Rationale
The following table presents five potential answers, their lengths, and the reasoning behind their inclusion as possibilities. The rationale considers both the physical description of a small, hip-worn bag and the potential for figurative interpretations.
Answer | Length | Rationale |
FANNYPACK | 9 | This is a direct and common answer. Fanny packs are small bags designed to be worn around the waist or hip. The term is widely understood and fits the literal description of the clue. |
HIPBAG | 6 | A shorter, more concise synonym for fanny pack. It directly references the “hip” aspect of the clue and implies a small bag. |
SATCHEL | 7 | While not always worn specifically on the hip, smaller satchels can be carried in this manner. The word evokes a small, portable bag, aligning with the clue’s overall meaning. |
POUCH | 5 | A pouch is a small, flexible bag, often worn on a belt or attached to clothing. It represents a smaller, less structured alternative to a fanny pack or hip bag. |
HOLSTER | 7 | Figuratively, a holster could be considered a “little suitcase” for a gun. While less literal than the other options, it aligns with the idea of a small container carried close to the body, albeit for a specific purpose. |
Comparing these answers, we see a range of word lengths and degrees of literal accuracy. FANNYPACK and HIPBAG are the most direct and literal, while SATCHEL, POUCH, and HOLSTER offer varying degrees of figurative interpretation. All five, however, share the common thread of a small, portable container that could be carried on or near the hip.
Visual Representation of the Clue

Source: notonthehighstreet.com
A visual representation of the crossword clue “little suitcase carried by the hip” requires careful consideration of scale and posture to accurately convey the meaning. The image should clearly show the small size of the suitcase in relation to the person carrying it, and the unique way it is positioned on the hip. The illustration should avoid ambiguity and clearly communicate the central idea of the clue.Illustrative Description of a Scene Depicting Someone Carrying a Small Suitcase on Their Hip.
Scene Description and Illustration Details
The illustration depicts a young woman, perhaps a student or young professional, rushing through a bustling city street. She is wearing a stylish, yet practical, outfit – perhaps jeans and a fitted blazer. Her expression is one of determined purpose, a slight furrow in her brow, but not one of distress. Her gait is brisk, reflecting her urgency.
The small, almost satchel-sized suitcase is secured firmly against her right hip, held in place by a strap that crosses her body. The suitcase itself is a muted, dark teal color, perhaps made of a durable canvas or soft leather. Its size is clearly emphasized by its diminutive scale compared to the woman’s body; it barely reaches her waist.
The overall color palette of the illustration is muted and realistic, reflecting the everyday nature of the scene. The background is slightly blurred, focusing the viewer’s attention on the woman and her suitcase. The overall style is clean and contemporary, avoiding unnecessary detail to highlight the key elements of the clue. The lighting is natural and bright, casting subtle shadows that add depth to the image.
The woman’s posture is upright, suggesting confidence and control, despite her hurried pace.
Textual Description of a Scene
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets as Anya hurried towards the train station. Her small, teal suitcase, barely larger than a large handbag, rested snugly against her hip, its strap securely fastened across her body. It contained everything she needed for her weekend getaway: a change of clothes, her toiletries, and a well-loved paperback novel.
She adjusted the strap slightly, her pace quickening as she spotted the train approaching on the platform. A slight smile played on her lips; the anticipation of the weekend was palpable, and the small suitcase, a symbol of her efficient packing and preparedness, felt reassuringly familiar against her side. The weight of it was minimal, allowing her to move freely and maintain a sense of effortless grace despite her haste.
There was a sense of quiet determination in her actions, a focus on reaching her destination with both speed and efficiency.
Wordplay and Puns
The ambiguity of the clue “a little suitcase carried by the hip” allows for creative interpretations, particularly through the use of puns and wordplay. This approach leverages the dual meanings of words or phrases to create a clever and unexpected answer. Successfully incorporating a pun requires a deep understanding of both the literal meaning of the clue and the potential for humorous or unexpected word associations.The clue’s components – “little suitcase,” “carried,” and “hip” – each offer opportunities for pun-based wordplay.
The size of the suitcase suggests diminutive words or phrases, while “carried by the hip” implies a specific method of transport, potentially linked to body parts or actions. A successful pun would cleverly combine these elements to create a surprising yet fitting answer.
Examples of Puns Related to the Clue
Several puns could be constructed around the clue’s components. For example, “HIPPO” could function as a pun, referencing a large animal (contrasting with “little suitcase”) and incorporating “HIP” directly. The wordplay lies in the unexpected juxtaposition of a large animal with the image of a small, hip-carried bag. Alternatively, a smaller word like “HIPPY” could be considered, alluding to a subculture often associated with carrying bags or packs, although the “little suitcase” aspect might be less directly addressed.
A more abstract pun might involve a word like “FLASK,” which is small and might be carried on one’s hip, though the connection is more tenuous. The effectiveness of each pun depends on the solver’s familiarity with wordplay and their ability to bridge the gap between the literal and figurative meanings.
Potential Use of Puns as Crossword Answers
Crossword puzzles often utilize puns to create challenging yet satisfying clues. The ambiguity inherent in the clue “a little suitcase carried by the hip” makes it particularly well-suited to a pun-based answer. The solver must consider not only the literal meaning but also the potential for double entendre and unexpected word associations. A successful pun answer would feel both clever and appropriate within the context of the crossword grid.
For instance, a shorter word like “KIT” (a small bag) could be considered, playing on the “little suitcase” aspect, but lacks the direct connection to “carried by the hip”. The challenge for the crossword constructor is to find a pun that is both solvable and doesn’t feel overly obscure or unfair to the solver.
Incorporating Size and Carrying Method into a Pun
A truly effective pun would cleverly incorporate both the “little suitcase” and “carried by the hip” aspects of the clue. This might involve a word or phrase that is both small and implies a hip-carrying method. While directly incorporating both elements might be difficult, the successful pun would create a strong association between the two concepts. For example, although unlikely, a hypothetical word like “HIPPO-POCKET” (a humorous combination of “hippo” and “pocket”) could work, suggesting a tiny pocket carried on the hip.
The creativity of the pun is crucial; it needs to be both playful and logically linked to the clue’s components, even if indirectly. The best pun would be a surprising yet satisfying resolution to the crossword clue’s apparent contradiction.
Alternative Interpretations of the Clue: A Little Suitcase Carried By The Hip Crossword Clue

Source: thcdn.com
The crossword clue “little suitcase carried by the hip” presents a literal interpretation readily suggesting a small bag worn on one’s hip. However, exploring less literal meanings opens up avenues for alternative interpretations and consequently, different possible crossword answers. The clue’s ambiguity lies in the flexibility of “carried by the hip” and the subjective nature of “little suitcase.”The phrase “carried by the hip” can be interpreted metaphorically, not just literally as a physical carrying action.
It could refer to something closely associated with or dependent upon something else, suggesting a relationship of support or dependence. Similarly, “little suitcase” could symbolize a small, contained collection or a brief, condensed version of something larger. These reinterpretations significantly broaden the scope of potential answers.
Figurative Interpretations of “Carried by the Hip”
The phrase “carried by the hip” can imply a close relationship or a dependence. This interpretation moves beyond the physical act of carrying and considers the figurative meaning of “hip” as being fashionable, trendy, or contemporary. Therefore, “carried by the hip” could represent something trendy or stylish that is always present, but perhaps in a subtle or understated way.
This opens up the possibility of answers relating to current trends or popular styles. For example, “SLANG” could be a potential answer, as slang is often carried by the hip generation and is closely associated with contemporary culture. Similarly, “TREND” would fit, as trends are always carried by what is considered hip and fashionable.
Alternative Meanings of “Little Suitcase”
The term “little suitcase” need not refer to a literal piece of luggage. Considered metaphorically, it could represent a collection of something small but significant. This could be a small collection of tools, a concise summary of information, or a brief, encapsulated experience. In this context, “MEMOS” could be a possible answer, as memos are often brief and carry important information.
Alternatively, “NOTES” could also be considered, given their small size and potential to contain a summary of something larger. The answer could also relate to a concise collection of things. “SNIPPETS” for example, could represent short pieces of information, or small collections of data.
Examples of Alternative Answers
Considering the combined alternative interpretations, the following words or phrases become plausible answers:
“STYLE,” “FASHION,” “AGENDA,” “ESSENCE,” “SYNOPSIS.”
These words capture the essence of a “little suitcase” as a condensed form or a collection, and the idea of being “carried by the hip” as being fashionable, trendy, or central to a particular cultural moment. The flexibility in interpreting the clue allows for a range of creative and plausible answers beyond the initially apparent literal interpretation.
Closing Notes
So, cracking the “a little suitcase carried by the hip” crossword clue isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about embracing the creative process. We’ve explored various interpretations, considered different word lengths, and even indulged in some delightful wordplay. Ultimately, the best answer will depend on the specific crossword puzzle and the other clues provided. But hopefully, this exploration has shown you that even the most seemingly straightforward clues can hold a wealth of hidden depths and unexpected possibilities.
Happy puzzling!
Clarifying Questions
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to solve this type of clue?
Overthinking! Sometimes the simplest answer is the best. Also, forgetting to consider alternative meanings or wordplay.
Can the answer be a proper noun?
Potentially, yes. Depending on the crossword, a brand name of a small bag or a character known for carrying a specific type of bag could fit.
How important is the word “little” in the clue?
It’s very important! It limits the size and type of suitcase, narrowing down the potential answers significantly.