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Grunger

I agree - Cantress would be a nice new word for us to use.

In 'my' clue, the Ch gives Church, with An, one +Tress, hair.

Hot singer hugging another (9)

jigjag

Nice clue and will use the words when choir practice resumes. But I wont be hugging any singer, hot or otherwise.

Grunger, Jigjag

A little 'treat' from today's Times Cryptic...

26 A. Brewing ingredient? It's put back in still (5)

Grrrr - no, that's not the answer, that was my reaction!

PS As it's today's puzzle, I'm not mentioning the answer.

Malone

Yes I solved it but it was irritating. Then I thought the "sex" clue would have "it" in it , but it was a reasonable synonym.

Malone

I noticed on the Times site that there were complaints about the SA/It clues, and a couple of people mentioned it was 1950s stuff.

Thanks, Jigjag. I'll look at that tomorrow. I hope you've got all your Christmas cards written and sent off - Ivor Napple, Ivan Orange and so on will be delighted to hear from you.

Sorry if I repeat anything that's already been said as I haven't been paying close attention recently.

Anyway, "it" is certainly 1920s. Consider The Desert Song, a musical from 1926. One of the songs from it is called "It" and some of the lyrics are:

So if the boys don't seem to fall for you
There's just no hope at all for you
Give up and quit
You'll never hit
If you have not got "It"!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v6WQ1MBtRo

Orson

Thanks. I dont mind modern slang e.g. one of the answers in the Times today, but out-of-date stuff that I have never of is unacceptable, I think.

Malone

Thanks. I haven't seen Ivan Napple for many months, but I must visit the market next week. I will give him a Christmas card as you suggest. Ivor Berger returned to Germany when we had the first lockdown. As far as I know, he has not come back, but I am sure he will when it is safe.