The phrase represents a common type of abbreviation utilized in crossword puzzles. Specifically, it directs solvers to look for an abbreviated example of streaming services. The letters “e.g.” signify “exempli gratia,” a Latin term meaning “for example.” In this context, the solution would be a shortened form of either “Netflix” or “Hulu,” satisfying both the category (streaming services) and the instruction to abbreviate.
The use of abbreviations like these is crucial to the construction and solving of crossword puzzles. They allow constructors to fit answers into limited grid spaces, offering a way to clue answers that might be too long or complex in their full form. For solvers, recognizing common abbreviations is a fundamental skill that aids in deciphering clues and completing the puzzle. This technique has been a long-standing convention in crossword puzzle design.