Why cryptic crosswords are civilisation

BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own Correspondent: "The British are not the only people to have crosswords but nowhere else in the world has the cryptic version - containing anagrams, double-meanings and other forms of elaborate word-play - reached such complexity. For Hugh Schofield these crosswords have become a symbol of British civilisation.

Where to begin explaining to a French person the complexity, the ironic multi-layered brilliance, the sheer fiendishness of the British cryptic crossword?

For me and - judging by the number of people from outside Britain who win the weekly competitions - for many expatriates, they are a link with civilisation. No-one teaches you how to do crosswords. It is passed on - often within families - from generation to generation. I learned from my mother. At their best they exemplify the three British Es: elegance, erudition and eccentricity.

And then I'll translate for him, perhaps this gem from the latest Spectator: "Constitution for EU amended (five letters)".

"This is something to do with our Monsieur Giscard?" he will ask.

"Not at all", I'll explain.

"Quite simple really. It's an anagram - signalled by the word 'amended' - of the two words that precede it: 'for EU'.

"Answer: 'fuero' - the constitution offered to the Basques in the old Spanish monarchy."

He will look at me with amazement and I'll say: "Well, you should see some of the hard clues. The answer to 10 across is 'leiotrichous' meaning 'having straight hair'!"

Swallowing hard my friend apologises, grabs his bag and hurries to the next compartment.

Pathetic, I know, but one can dream. "