Hinky Pinky

The Whitehouse. Hinkity Pinkity.

Oddly enough, that was a clue. And if you know the game, it would all make sense, even if you didn't know the answer.

The game is Hinky Pinky, or, as often, and somewhat unfortunately known as, "Stinky Pinky."

The solution is always in the form of two rhyming words. The clue, apart from the purposefully glib, but undeniably accurate definition, includes a syllable count. Thus, we are assured that we are looking for a pair of rhyming words, each of which has four syllables. Were we looking for a pair of rhyming words, each of which had one syllable, then the clue would end with "Hink Pink." As in: "a large, furry, forest-dwelling, tree-climbing mammal with four edges - Hink Pink." The answer to which would obviously be "Square Bear."

There's a subtle art to creating the right clue, one that usually escapes first time players. That's why sites like my friend Jed Hartman's page and this online version are so welcome. The game is perfect to play in the interstices of our lives - car trips, waiting in line, or at a restaurant table.

As to the Hinkity Pinkity Whitehouse - why, the president's residence, of course.