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The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a new puzzle, short but smart. It contains the same wit as the regular crossword but in a more compact form. Created to test without draining, the Mini injects an energy boost of mental enjoyment into the day.
Today brings another quick challenge. Thursday’s clues twist words, tease meanings, and reward quick thinking. A full set of answers clears the fog for anyone stuck on a square.
This new puzzle boasts a lighthearted blend of popular culture, wacky wordplay, and quotidian references. No endless scrolling or over-analyzing necessary. Each clue is its gem and keenly turned. The May 8 issue encapsulates the best of what keeps The Mini so compulsively engrossing—swift, snappy, and novel.
1A. Clue: Adjective that rhymes with "sheesh" or "pitch," depending on who you ask
Answer: NICHE
Explanation: Refers to a specialized or distinctive in attractiveness, usually spoken differently by areas.
6A. Clue: Colossal ___, marine animal filmed in its natural habitat for the first time in 2025
Answer: SQUID
Explanation: Refers to the giant squid, a deep-sea animal recently filmed in its natural environment.
7A. Clue: Like some caterpillars
Answer: FURRY
Explanation: Describes the hairy consistency present on some caterpillars.
8A. Clue: Some spouses
Answer: WIVES
Explanation: A simple plural for married women.
9A. Clue: Bill's time-traveling partner in the film
Answer: TED
Explanation: A reference to the movie character Ted in the cult favorite "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure."
1D. Clue: Letters meaning "Don't click this in public!"
Answer: NSFW
Explanation: Internet slang for material that's "Not Safe For Work."
2D. Clue: "You can take this job and shove it!"
Answer: IQUIT
Explanation: A strong declaration of resignation from employment.
3D. Clue: Feature of a winding road
Answer: CURVE
Explanation: A natural curve or turn in the path of a road.
4D. Clue: Added to the payroll
Answer: HIRED
Explanation: Means one has officially begun a new job.
5D. Clue: Dreyer's ice cream, on the East Coast
Answer: EDYS
Explanation: Brand name for Dreyer's, called Edy's in Eastern U.S. stores.
Each answer fits snugly into its place, but some clues might hold up even seasoned solvers. That’s where hints or quick help prove useful. A challenge like this adds to the thrill—solving or learning something new every day.
The NYT Mini Crossword thrives on daily freshness. It’s a five-minute puzzle that carries the reputation of a legacy name. While other games may trend, The Mini holds steady. It requires thought, speed, and a good eye for words—all in a grid no larger than a sticky note.
It blends trivia, wordplay, and real-world references. That’s what makes it more than a brain teaser. It's a morning ritual for some, a lunch break joy for others. And even if one clue proves stubborn, the full answer set brings that satisfying 'click' when things fall into place.
Today's puzzle, like every edition, reflects the balance between challenge and fun. The clues stay smart. The answers stay sharp. And the format remains perfect for busy minds who enjoy a fast fix of word magic.
As each day begins, the Mini stands ready. Always brief, always bold. With themes shifting from culture to science to workplace quirks, it never repeats itself. Today’s edition proves that once again.
May 8’s answers now sit in place, the puzzle solved. Tomorrow will bring another round. Another fresh set of clues. Another test for word lovers. Until then, this challenge is complete—and every square counts.
