Two Answers

[gourami67]

Spectator 2609 4d Heard joints explode with irritation seems to have two answers, one an S, the other with a Z - according to Chambers 13th ed. I hope the Spectator will accept either.

[Neveracrossword]

I felt the Z version sounded more like the joints, when I said the other version it sounded more like a female relative. That could just be my pronunciation, of course!

[gourami67]

As ever NAC your argument is convincing. Thanks

[AsBranKnew]

However given the subject of the crossword it should be S rather than Z.

“Thou whoreson zed! Thou unnecessary letter! My lord, if you will give me leave, I will tread this unbolted villain into mortar, and daub the wall of a jakes with him.” King Lear Act 2, Scene 2.