A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

IDOL

Thu, 29 Jan '26
Object of veneration
Mon, 17 Nov '25
Object of adoration
Thu, 13 Nov '25
The Israelites' golden calf, e.g.
Wed, 3 Sep '25
World's most-watched television franchise, informally
Mon, 1 Sep '25
Celeb with worshipful fans
Sat, 31 May '25
Member of BTS or Blackpink, e.g.
Thu, 13 Feb '25
"Survivor" game-changer
Sun, 24 Nov '24
Queequeg's figurine in "Moby-Dick," e.g.
Wed, 6 Nov '24
Object of adoration
Sat, 26 Oct '24
Reality show winner since 2002
Mon, 2 Sep '24
Revered star
Mon, 24 Jun '24
Ariana Grande, to Arianators, e.g.
Mon, 8 Apr '24
Object of adoration
Wed, 27 Mar '24
"American ___"
Wed, 7 Feb '24
Longtime TV singing series, to fans
Sun, 7 Jan '24
False ___
Thu, 30 Nov '23
More than a favorite
Sun, 29 Oct '23
"Pop ___," British show that launched Simon Cowell's TV career
Mon, 2 Oct '23
"Survivor" immunity token
Thu, 18 May '23
Golden calf, e.g.
Thu, 4 May '23
Loved one
Wed, 22 Mar '23
K-pop star, e.g.
Sun, 19 Feb '23
Golden calf, for one
Wed, 23 Nov '22
Worshiped person
Sat, 29 Oct '22
Word with false or fallen
Mon, 1 Aug '22
False god
Mon, 6 Jun '22
Celebrity who's adored
Mon, 23 May '22
Worshiped figure
Wed, 30 Mar '22
"American ___"
Tue, 29 Mar '22
"White Wedding" singer Billy
Wed, 19 Jan '22
Some people bow to it
Thu, 26 Aug '21
Statue of Ganesha, e.g.
Thu, 15 Jul '21
Fan fave
Wed, 9 Jun '21
Golden calf, e.g.