Rate My Cryptic Crossword Clue

[AB Editor]

I'm learning how to do cryptic crosswords using some books I bought years ago from the newsagent and keep dipping in and out of. Sometimes I think of my own ideas for cryptic clues, and I would love to see if they are any good. I just have one to share today but if I remember the others I thought of I will come back.

Here is the one I thought of today:

Spooner's childhood illness is choosing confectionery, abbreviated (6,5)

What do you reckon? Is it any good, or if you know the answer, would you word the clue any differently?

[JJ109]

So so - bit on the easy side

[Lie-in King]

Hi Ed - the clue works, but the answer would be frowned on in a "regular" crossword. It would be better if the answer led to a common (or even occasionally used) phrase. Imho, of course :-)

[JJ109]

I wouldn't use the word "abbreviated" but rather choosing "a little confectionary"

[AB Editor]

Thanks both, that's good to know! :)

[Lie-in King]

Being *really* picky - jj, a confectionAry is where confectionEry is made ;-)

[TheWinner]

Not bad. I got it, but thought the letter count would have been 7 and 5?

[JJ109]

:((

[Lie-in King]

Winner - I believe Ed's used an ' at the end of the first word, allowing for a more accurate Spoonerism.

[JJ109]

or mention there is an apostrophe if you want 6!

[Lie-in King]

Nooo! Jj - I used a winky thingy! It wasn't a real dig, honest...

[TheFrogman]

L-IK's first comment is spot on - you have spoonerized the wrong thing, ending up with a non-phrase. Much better to 'go the other way', and at the same time suggest the removal of that closing 'g', something perhaps along the lines of "Complaint of children choosin' sweets for Spooner (10)".

[AB Editor]

Love it, Frogman.