Crossword Genius

Asian sailor is without skill (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tartar

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'asian' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'sailor is without skill' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'tar' (tar can mean a sailor).
'is without' is an insertion indicator ('without' can be similar in meaning to 'outside').
'skill' becomes 'art' (both can mean a talent).
'tar' enclosing 'art' is 'TARTAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tartar that I've seen before include "Cream of - - : baking ingredient" , "Crust on teeth or wine deposit" , "ancient Mongolian" , "A ferocious person" , "Deposit that forms on teeth" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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