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August 12’s NYT Mini Crossword blends quick clues with a playful “dog days” theme.
Balanced mix of straight definitions and clever wordplay keeps solving smoothly.
Each answer adds speed and satisfaction, making it a perfect daily brain boost.
The NYT Mini Crossword arrives fresh each morning with a compact yet satisfying challenge. August 12’s edition kept the streak alive, offering a mix of straightforward and playful clues. The theme leaned into the “dog days” of summer, wrapping up with a neat trio of starred entries tied together by one final answer.
A mini puzzle’s charm lies in its quick pace. Each clue feels approachable but still gives a moment’s pause. That balance makes this version a perfect mental warm-up. With just five Across and five Down answers, the grid fills fast, yet each solution lands with a small burst of satisfaction.
1A: Workplace for scientists
Answer: LAB
A short, sharp nod to where experiments happen and discoveries unfold.
4A: Grub
Answer: CHOW
Casual slang for food, often used by those eager to eat.
6A: Maliciously revealed one's private identity, informally
Answer: DOXED
Online term for exposing personal details without consent.
8A: Spanish "but"
Answer: PERO
Simple Spanish conjunction used to contrast ideas.
9A: Gasoline type: Abbr.
Answer: REG
Common abbreviation for “regular” fuel at the pump.
1D: TV screen option, for short
Answer: LCD
A display technology seen in many televisions and monitors.
2D: __, a skip and a jump
Answer: A HOP
Part of the familiar phrase for a short distance.
3D: Someone who's always taking jabs at you?
Answer: BOXER
A playful double meaning - both a fighter and someone teasing.
4D: Used to be
Answer: WERE
A past-tense verb marking something no longer current.
5D: ___ days (time of summer suggested by the answers to the starred clues)
Answer: DOG
Refers to the hottest summer stretch, tying back to the theme.
Each answer here feels crisp and purposeful. The DOG theme links LAB, CHOW, and BOXER in a subtle wink to canine imagery. The non-themed entries keep the pace brisk, offering quick fills that help solve crossings faster.
The beauty of this Mini is in its balance - straight clues like PERO and REG mix with punny or layered hints like BOXER. That variety ensures every kind of solver finds a way in. The seasonal “dog days” finale gives an extra nudge of personality without slowing progress.
August 12’s puzzle stands as another example of why the NYT Mini holds daily appeal. Its structure is tight, its clues precise, and its payoffs satisfying. A few minutes with this grid offers both challenge and cheer, a small but sharp start to the day.
The NYT Mini Crossword continues to deliver its daily mix of speed, wit, and wordplay. August 12 brought a fun seasonal theme and a fresh burst of cleverness. Tomorrow awaits with another set of brand-new clues ready to test quick thinking and vocabulary.
For those seeking more brain-boosting fun, the NYT Games collection also includes Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and more, making it a true hub for puzzle lovers of every kind.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for August 11, 2025
