Eric is a four-letter word that is the crossword solution for the term 'Language Maven Partridge'. Eric is a popular name, derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, meaning 'ever ruler'. It is also the name of a character in the popular British sitcom 'Fawlty Towers'. The character Eric is a hotel guest who speaks with a strong German accent. He is portrayed as a language maven, often correcting the grammar and pronunciation of other characters.