Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a mix of internet-age shorthand and classic crossword vocabulary. 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: "Old-fashioned 'Yeah, right!'" (PSHAW) - requires knowledge of archaic interjections
Gimme Clue: "Line on the bottom of a pant leg" (HEM) - basic sewing vocabulary
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. Study of the human mind, informally
Hint: Academic field abbreviation, starts with P
6A. Common fixture in a gym bathroom
Hint: Measures weight, five letters
7A. Kinda boring
Hint: Onomatopoeic expression of boredom, starts with HO
8A. Like a commenter without a username, for short
Hint: Internet abbreviation for anonymous
9A. "All good between us?"
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning "we're okay"
Down Hints
1D. Old-fashioned "Yeah, right!"
Hint: Archaic interjection expressing disbelief, starts with P
2D. Coffeehouse pastry
Hint: British-style baked good, often served with tea
3D. Google alternative
Hint: Another major search engine, starts with Y
4D. Sound of a dull thump
Hint: Onomatopoeic word for a heavy impact sound
5D. Line on the bottom of a pant leg
Hint: Sewing term for finishing an edge, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Study of the human mind, informally
Answer: PSYCH
6A. Common fixture in a gym bathroom
Answer: SCALE
7A. Kinda boring
Answer: HOHUM
8A. Like a commenter without a username, for short
Answer: ANON
9A. "All good between us?"
Answer: WEOK
Down Answers
1D. Old-fashioned "Yeah, right!"
Answer: PSHAW
2D. Coffeehouse pastry
Answer: SCONE
3D. Google alternative
Answer: YAHOO
4D. Sound of a dull thump
Answer: CLUNK
5D. Line on the bottom of a pant leg
Answer: HEM
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Like a commenter without a username, for short" for ANON. Clever modern internet reference that bridges crossword tradition with digital culture.
Wordplay Winner: "Kinda boring" for HOHUM. Onomatopoeic representation of boredom that's both descriptive and fun to solve.
Quick Fill: "Line on the bottom of a pant leg" for HEM. Basic sewing vocabulary that most solvers will nail instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
When you see "for short" in a clue, expect an abbreviation. Today's ANON is a perfect example of this pattern.
Short fill-in-the-blank clues like "All good between us?" (WEOK) often have simple, conversational answers. Trust your first instinct.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of internet shorthand (ANON) and old-fashioned expressions (PSHAW) made for an interesting Wednesday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
