Crossword Genius

Tasteless articles looking into South American's importance in society (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

status

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

'importance in society' is the definition.
'status' can be an answer for 'importance' (status is a kind of importance). I'm not sure about the 'in society' bit.

'tasteless articles looking into south american's' is the wordplay.
'tasteless articles looking' becomes 'tat' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'into' indicates putting letters inside.
'south' becomes 'S' (synonyms).
'american' becomes 'us' (abbreviation for United States).
's'+'us'='sus'
'tat' going inside 'sus' is 'STATUS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for status that I've seen before include "High rank or prestige" , "Social position or grade" , "and 9: Existing state of affairs" , "Standing, condition, position" , "One's standing in the community" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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