I don't think I've ever encountered this -- especially not as a single word. I would expect gate crasher or gate crashing (the forms with which I am more familiar) to be two separate words, possibly with a hyphen instead of a space between them.

When does afternoon end and evening begin? (Obviously, this is a request for opinions and is probably affected by region.)

One problem with scholars is that they tend to be very knowledgeable in a narrow field, but not know much about the rest of the world.  Specialists vs. generalists!

A very deep, but narrow rut -- it is difficult to get out of such.

I completely agree with Tom on both those words. The only reason I got fernier on the Standard puzzle of 18 November was because I missed it on the Challenge puzzle of 17 November but looked at the solution!

The word confrere is one of those words I know, but rarely see and never use. I didn't get it and do think it would be better excluded from the common word list.

I tried freon, expecting it to be rejected because it is, after all, a trademarked brand name that ought to be capitalised. (Perhaps in some English-speaking lands it has become a genericized trademark.*) I was surprised when it was accepted. I didn't try refire or refired. I did get froe, but expected it to be considered rare.

* How do you insert a hyperlink (as I've seen Alan do) where only text identifying the link is seen and not the whole http.... thing in a post on this forum? -- Thanks, anonsi!!! (I fixed it above.)   

There is a wonderful book on training canines called "The Monks of New Skete".  Highly recommended.

The Monks of New Skete (located in Cambridge, New York, USA) have three books of which I know:

• The Art of Raising a Puppy
• How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend
• Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog

T, I think you need to explain your use of 'Viral' to a newcomer.

Thanks, Alan!

And another fish classified as common which I had not previously encountered: plaice. I've seen ling enough times here that I look for it, but I've never seen it elsewhere. Why are these (obscure to me) fishes deemed common?