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The New York Times Mini Crossword brings a lighthearted and quick challenge every day. To start today's puzzle, on January 24, 2025, a "dad joke"-type answer gives the show of the day; one of these clues is actually "Pop-up button?" the answer to that is OUTIE. At first glance by the clue maybe confusing, but reading further into what the world does with wordplay reveals the hidden fun.
The Times' online games collection has the Mini Crossword, which is famous for its compact nature and sharp clues. It is so easy to get hooked on solving during a break or just as a fun daily routine. It provides a great mental workout without requiring commitments over hours like most of the traditional larger crossword puzzles.
Today’s puzzle offers several clues worth noting, with a mix of pop culture, wordplay, and simple vocabulary. Ready to dive in?
1A: Bowser in the Mario games, e.g.
Answer: BOSS
A reference to the iconic character in the Mario series, a classic answer that any gamer can appreciate.
5A: It's made to measure
Answer: RULER
This one’s straightforward. A ruler is often used to measure things, a classic item for anyone’s desk.
7A: Video game company named after a term in the board game Go
Answer: ATARI
Atari, one of the first video game companies, draws its name from the ancient game of Go. It's a reference to history and gaming.
8A: Exercise similar to a crunch
Answer: SITUP
The situp is a common exercise that can be done to keep fit. This one brings fitness into the crossword.
9A: Unwelcome message on a graded paper
Answer: SEEME
A little humor here, the answer "SEEME" sounds like something students might find after a tough test.
1D: Word before knuckles or tacks
Answer: BRASS
"Brass knuckles" and "brass tacks" come together in this clue. A great example of wordplay often seen in the Mini Crossword.
2D: Pop-up button?
Answer: OUTIE
This clue gives a slight dad joke feeling. "OUTIE" is also a reference to a pop-out button found in people, not in devices. Clever pun!
3D: Classic blackboard material
Answer: SLATE
Slate-which was at one time used to make blackboards-appears. A spot of history fits into the puzzle.
4D: Concentrated form of many cosmetics
Answer: SERUM
Serums are a common preparation in skincare systems. A spot of modern feel to the puzzle.
6D: Ready to eat, as fruit
Answer: RIPE
Ripe fruit is ready to eat, and this clue brings us back to basics with a simple, clear answer.
For those new to the Mini Crossword, the rules are straightforward. It's a compact grid of tight clues that aim to be solved in mere minutes. A solver can do it in under two minutes, so it's an excellent pick-me-up for a mental refresh.
Unlike its big brother, The New York Times Crossword, which can take a real eternity to finish, the Mini is snappy and fun. However, it still gives the pleasure of solving a puzzle, albeit much smaller in scope. It releases one puzzle every day, just like today, bringing with it fresh clues and answers to solve.
The NYT Mini Crossword has attracted loyal followers over the years. Its charm lies in its bite-sized format that offers an instant sense of accomplishment. Though it may be smaller, it doesn't sacrifice the cleverness and challenge of the full-sized crossword.
It may be the eccentric clues or that moment of filling in the grid to fill it up perfectly. The Mini Crossword is perfect for those who enjoy a fun and rewarding puzzle. It's great for on-the-go or during a quick break in the day.
Think Outside the Box: Sometimes, clues are puns or wordplay. Keep an open mind when solving.
Use Context: Some clues, like the ones referencing video games or fitness, offer hints based on popular culture or common knowledge.
Keep it Fun: The Mini Crossword is designed to be playful. If a clue seems tricky, don't stress. A little humor or outside-the-box thinking will lead to the answer.
In conclusion, today's NYT Mini Crossword is full of fun clues and clever answers. The mix of humor, pop culture references, and wordplay creates a puzzle that's both engaging and satisfying to solve. If the "OUTIE" clue stumped anyone, now the mystery is solved, and solving the entire grid becomes a bit more satisfying.
