Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a compact 5x5 challenge with modern slang and geography twists. Whether you're racing the clock or just enjoying a quick brain break, we've got hints and answers to keep you moving.
How The Mini Works
The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues. Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.
New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 5x5
Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: Saint ___ and Nevis (Caribbean nation)
Gimme Clue: Take care of the tab
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Question in a late-night text
Hint: Think about what you might text a friend when you're bored after midnight
6A. Plentiful
Hint: More than enough, starts with A
7A. Saint ___ and Nevis (Caribbean nation)
Hint: Caribbean island nation, five letters, starts with K
8A. Baby-bringing bird
Hint: Mythical delivery bird, five letters
9A. Take care of the tab
Hint: What you do at a restaurant, three letters
Down Hints
1D. Himalayan herbivores
Hint: Shaggy-haired mountain animals, four letters
2D. Fail to include
Hint: Leave out, four letters
3D. "High five!"
Hint: Slang phrase for a celebratory hand gesture, five letters
4D. The "U" of UV rays
Hint: Prefix meaning "beyond," five letters
5D. Annoying to deal with
Hint: Pesky, troublesome, five letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Question in a late-night text
Answer: YOUUP
6A. Plentiful
Answer: AMPLE
7A. Saint ___ and Nevis (Caribbean nation)
Answer: KITTS
8A. Baby-bringing bird
Answer: STORK
9A. Take care of the tab
Answer: PAY
Down Answers
1D. Himalayan herbivores
Answer: YAKS
2D. Fail to include
Answer: OMIT
3D. "High five!"
Answer: UPTOP
4D. The "U" of UV rays
Answer: ULTRA
5D. Annoying to deal with
Answer: PESKY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Question in a late-night text" for YOUUP. Clever modern slang reference that captures texting culture perfectly.
Wordplay Winner: "The 'U' of UV rays" for ULTRA. Smart abbreviation play that tests your knowledge of scientific prefixes.
Quick Fill: "Take care of the tab" for PAY. Straightforward three-letter answer that most solvers will get instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for modern slang clues like "YOUUP" - these often reference current texting or social media phrases rather than traditional vocabulary.
Caribbean geography clues like "KITTS" are common fill - memorize the major island nations (St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Barbados, etc.) for quick solves.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of modern texting slang and Caribbean geography made for an interesting Friday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
