Crossword Genius

Country boy, trendy (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

benin

'country' is the definition.
(Benin is an example)

'boy trendy' is the wordplay.
'boy' becomes 'ben' (**).
'trendy' becomes 'in'.
'ben'+'in'='BENIN'

(Other definitions for benin that I've seen before include "part of Africa" , "French-speaking West African country" , "West African state, formerly called Dahomey" , "Republic in West Africa" , "City formerly known as Dahomey" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app