SASE

What does SASE mean in a crossword?

A self-addressed stamped envelope, enclosed so a recipient can mail something back without paying postage.

Clues often mention a manuscript, editor, reply, enclosure, or return mail. Abbreviations such as “encl.” and “MS.” reinforce that the answer is also abbreviated.

Why does SASE appear in crosswords?

SASE packs four common letters into a culturally specific publishing term that constructors can clue from several angles.

Common clue patterns

• A return-mail convenience, initially
• Something enclosed for an editor's reply
• A manuscript sender's postage-paid enclosure

These are editorially written pattern summaries, not a reproduced puzzle archive.

Other meanings to watch

Outside this publishing and postal context, SASE can be an unrelated acronym, so the surrounding clue matters.