Stumped on a Red-Hot Crossword Clue? Discover the Surprising Latin Origin!

The answer to the crossword question is “LIVID.” In this context, “seeing red” is a phrase often used to describe extreme anger or rage. The word “livid” is a synonym for this expression and its name has an interesting origin. The term “livid” derives from the Latin word “lividus,” which means “bluish” or “slate-colored.” The connection between the shade of blue and extreme anger may seem contradictory, but it stems from the physical manifestation of anger, where some individuals’ faces may turn a bluish color due to increased blood flow and intensity of emotion. Therefore, “livid” perfectly captures the meaning of “seeing red” and is derived from a shade of blue in Latin.