Shortz

Shortz is a surname that may refer to individuals, most notably Will Shortz, an American puzzle editor and linguist. The name is rarely used as a common noun or title in other contexts, but it is well known in puzzle circles because of Will Shortz’s prominence.

Will Shortz (born 1952) is an American puzzle editor and linguist who has been the crossword editor for The New York Times since 1993. In this role, he oversees the selection, editing, and production of the newspaper’s daily and Sunday crosswords and coordinates with puzzle constructors and editors to shape the paper’s puzzle standards. Shortz’s tenure has coincided with a period of sustained popularity for American crosswords and a broadening of puzzle styles and themes.

Beyond his work with The New York Times, Shortz has contributed to puzzle culture through public appearances, radio segments, and involvement in puzzle events and organizations. He has helped promote crossword solving as a hobby and a craft, supporting a community of builders and solvers and encouraging accessibility and variety in clueing and construction.

In terms of background, Shortz is noted for his interests in languages and linguistics, which inform his approach to wordplay and puzzle design. The surname itself is relatively uncommon and appears primarily in English-language contexts, with Will Shortz being by far the most publicly recognized bearer.

Overall, Shortz is primarily associated with Will Shortz, whose influence on modern crosswords in the United States has made the name a recognizable emblem within puzzle culture.