Today's New York Times Mini Crossword puzzle offers a blend of simple and thought-provoking clues. Though the January 6 edition doesn’t present a significant challenge, one clue from the holiday season might take a moment to figure out. Let’s dive into the clues and answers for today's puzzle.
1A: ___ notification (alert on a phone screen)
Answer: PUSH
The first clue gets things rolling with a common phone term. A push notification is a message alerting users to updates or events. It pops up on a phone screen, usually for an app or website. Simple, but effective!
5A: Stocking stuffer?
Answer: SANTA
This clue might initially lead one to think about small objects for Christmas stockings. However, it points to the jolly Santa, the classic figure associated with stocking stuffers. The answer ties back to the season's spirit, bringing a festive touch to the puzzle.
6A: Hunter with a famous "belt"
Answer: ORION
The constellation Orion is often depicted as a hunter in the night sky. Known for its distinctive "belt" of three stars, Orion has made its way into various puzzles and trivia. It’s a familiar answer for many crossword solvers.
7A: Gas used to infuse some beer and coffee, for short
Answer: NITRO
This one taps into the world of beverages. Nitro refers to nitrogen, used to infuse beers like stouts or cold brew coffee, creating a smooth texture and creamy foam. It’s a quick, short answer that’s likely to pop up for enthusiasts of both drinks.
8A: 18-wheeler
Answer: SEMI
A straightforward one, the semi refers to an 18-wheeler truck. It’s a common sight on highways, transporting goods across the country. This answer is simple yet reliable.
1D: Home of the Notre-Dame cathedral
Answer: PARIS
Paris, the iconic city in France, is home to the famous Notre-Dame cathedral. This one is easy for those familiar with landmarks, making it an instant fill for many crossword solvers.
2D: Join forces
Answer: UNITE
To unite means to come together or join forces. Whether it's people, ideas, or groups, the answer fits perfectly with the idea of working together.
3D: Tempest
Answer: STORM
A storm is a powerful force of nature, often referred to as a tempest. The clue plays on the synonym, making it another easy win for solvers familiar with stormy weather terminology.
4D: World capital whose name means "between two rivers" in Vietnamese
Answer: HANOI
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, means “between two rivers” in Vietnamese. This clue may require a little more thought but is still a manageable one for geography buffs.
5D: Child with a Roman numeral after his name, maybe
Answer: SON
A son with a Roman numeral after his name could refer to someone like “John II” or “George IV,” indicating a junior or second version of a person. A simple, concise clue that ties back to family names.
The NYT Mini Crossword is designed to be a quick mental exercise. While today's puzzle is manageable, it offers a solid mix of pop culture, geography, and everyday knowledge. Crosswords like this one help keep the brain sharp while providing a fun and satisfying challenge.
The Mini Crossword is a staple of the New York Times Games section. While the regular crossword can be more demanding, the mini version is perfect for those who enjoy a bite-sized puzzle. It has gained a loyal following since its introduction in 2014, thanks to its compact design and manageable difficulty level.
For those interested in tackling more puzzles, the NYT also offers archives of past puzzles. If today's Mini Crossword was a bit too easy, there’s always the option to revisit previous challenges.