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The New York Times Mini Crossword Puzzle: A daily diversion that provides quick, though quite stimulating, fun for crossword enthusiasts. In contrast to its larger counterpart, the Mini is geared toward consumption in a few minutes--perfect for either a last-minute break or a quick mental workout.
Each puzzle has its own mix of varying levels of vocabulary, pop culture references, or general knowledge, creating an experience that is equally educational, challenging, and entertaining for the solver.
For Thursday, February 21, 2025, combines fresh references and eternal facts into one engaging puzzle. Here are the clues with their answers, to provide an insight into today's puzzle.
1A: Elevator alternative
Answer: Steps
The clue is simple and straight, contrasting between the ease of the modern way up to the classic slow way of going down. While elevators are a common alternative found in every building, steps or stairs remain the basic description of an alternative.
A6: Evil corporation on Apple TV+'s "Severance"
Answer: Lumon
Reference to the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller "Severance," in which Lumon Industries is the sinister corporation enforcing a horrific work-life separation policy. It will appeal to the contemporary television and corporate dystopia buff.
A7: Ring-shaped coral reef
Answer: Atoll
An atoll is a circular coral reef that surrounds an interior lagoon and is usually formed from the remnants of a sunken volcano. These natural wonders are usually found in tropical ocean waters, the central and eastern Pacific, and the Indian Ocean.
A8: Aura of confidence
Answer: Mojo
"Mojo" refers to charm, confidence, or personal magnetism. It is often used when referring to one's success or good energy. It is widely used in pop culture and self-help discussions.
A9: ___ Lanka
Answer: Sri
Completing the name" Sri Lanka," which is the name of an island state in South Asia too rich in its history, culture, and natural scenery. In Sanskrit, "Sri" is an honorific title meaning "resplendent" or "honorable."
1D: Severely criticizes
Answer: Slams
To "slam" something is to harshly criticize or attack it, especially in the world of media, wherein there might be a headline on how someone publicly denounces an idea, policy, or performance.
2D: One-on-one academic coach
Answer: Tutor
A tutor provides individual instruction to help students improve in specific subjects. Typically, tutoring will take place in both academic and professional settings to help learners understand things that they may find difficult to grasp.
3D: A head of our time?
Answer: Emoji
This witty way to put forth the idea literally refers to digital icons representing emotions and expressions. Emojis have become universal tools of digital communication that in many occasions lessen or supplant words in text messages or on social platforms.
4D: Preppy shirt
Answer: Polo
Although with a preppy, casual sort of feel, a polo shirt is traditionally a collared shirt. It came from the outfit worn by polo players, but nowadays it enjoys space in both formal and casual places of fashion.
5D: Show with a recently aired 50th anniversary special
Answer: SNL
The legendary sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" has parodied politics, pop culture, and current events for decades. Recently, SNL honored its 50-year legacy with special programming-a major milestone in television success.
A delightful medley of pop culture, geography, and language-based clues made for an engaging puzzle for a diverse audience on this day. The inclusion of "Severance" and "SNL" mints its connection to current media, while "atoll" and "mojo" wade through science and slang.
Daily solving of the NYT Mini Crossword will greatly help you hone vocabulary, think better, and stay tuned with cultural references. Be you an objective expert solver or just starting to break ground, these pocket puzzles promise an enjoyable, wholesome challenge.
