Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a playful mix of wordplay, childhood basics, and chemistry fundamentals. 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: "With 2-Down, body parts that are spoonerism of 'bunny phones'" (6-Across)
Gimme Clue: "Cookie with blue-and-white packaging" (7-Across)
Theme Spotted: Spoonerism wordplay connecting 6-Across and 2-Down
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Kindergarten basics
Hint: Think A-B-C. What do you learn first in school? Three letters, all consonants.
5. Santa's "present" for naughty kids
Hint: It's not a gift, it's a lump of something black and combustible. Four letters.
6. With 2-Down, body parts that are spoonerism of "bunny phones"
Hint: Swap the first sounds of "bunny phones" and you get a body part. The answer is the first word of the pair.
7. Cookie with blue-and-white packaging
Hint: The classic sandwich cookie. Four letters, starts with O.
8. Acid's opposite
Hint: Think pH scale. What's on the other end from acidic? Four letters.
Down Hints
1. High-end division of Honda
Hint: Luxury Japanese car brand. Five letters, starts with A.
2. See 6-Across
Hint: The second part of the spoonerism pair. What supports your body? Five letters.
3. Something to paddle across a lake
Hint: A lightweight boat you propel with a paddle. Five letters.
4. Sneaky
Hint: Cunning, underhanded, stealthy. Three letters.
6. Electronic key
Hint: What you use to unlock a car door remotely. Three letters.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Kindergarten basics
Answer: ABCS
5. Santa's "present" for naughty kids
Answer: COAL
6. With 2-Down, body parts that are spoonerism of "bunny phones"
Answer: FUNNY
7. Cookie with blue-and-white packaging
Answer: OREO
8. Acid's opposite
Answer: BASE
Down Answers
1. High-end division of Honda
Answer: ACURA
2. See 6-Across
Answer: BONES
3. Something to paddle across a lake
Answer: CANOE
4. Sneaky
Answer: SLY
6. Electronic key
Answer: FOB
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "With 2-Down, body parts that are spoonerism of 'bunny phones'" for FUNNY BONES. The spoonerism is the star here, swap the initial sounds of "bunny phones" and you get "funny bones," a clever nod to the ulnar nerve. It's a two-part clue that rewards phonetic thinking.
Wordplay Winner: Same clue, 6-Across/2-Down. Spoonerisms are rare in the Mini, and this one lands perfectly. "Bunny phones" becomes "funny bones" with a simple sound swap, making it the most satisfying solve in the grid.
Quick Fill: "Cookie with blue-and-white packaging" for OREO. Instantly recognizable brand, four letters, no ambiguity. If you've ever seen a cookie aisle, this one's a slam dunk.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
When you see a clue referencing another clue number (like "See 6-Across"), solve the referenced clue first. The spoonerism at 6-Across unlocks 2-Down instantly, treat cross-references as priority targets.
Short, common words like ABCS, COAL, OREO, BASE, SLY, and FOB are Mini staples. Build a mental index of these frequent fill words. When you see "Sneaky" or "Electronic key," you should be typing before you finish reading.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The FUNNY BONES spoonerism was a rare treat, a bit of linguistic play that makes the Mini feel bigger than its 5x5 frame. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
