If you're anything like me, you probably start each day with a word puzzle. Maybe it's Wordle or Connections, but I need a daily dose of the New York Times Mini Crossword. It is short, typically enjoyable, and a great way to get your mind working. The Mini for June 17th just dropped, and while it wasn't the most difficult one I've seen, it did have a few hints that made me pause. One in particular stood out: "Whimsically amusing."
I always appreciate the sense of getting a difficult answer exactly correct. Sometimes the clues are so smart that I smile. The Mini is a smaller and speedier version of the large NYT Crossword. Unlike its larger sibling, which can feel like a full-fledged brain workout at times, the Mini is free to play and does not require a New York Times subscription. You can play it directly on the web or through the app, though the app is preferable if you wish to view earlier riddles.
For me, the Mini's appeal stems from its ability to mix a rapid solution with just enough challenge to keep me interested. It's designed to be bite-sized. This puzzle, a 5x5 grid, utilized every single box. It's always satisfying to finish something. I finished it in a little over two minutes tonight. That is fairly good for me; it isn't my quickest, but it's also not my slowest. It felt like a solid puzzle, one that made you feel smart but not completely stumped.
Unpacking the "Whimsically Amusing" clue and why it stood out to meHow One Simple Phrase Can Cause You To Pause And Think In The Middle Of Your Morning Puzzle
The clue for "Whimsically amusing" was "8 Across." This one definitely grabbed my attention. When I initially read that, my imagination raced through several different words. "Funny" felt too simple. "Playful" came close but could not quite capture the whimsy aspect. The answer eventually clicked: DROLL. It's not a common word, yet it properly describes "whimsically amusing". It's an excellent example of how the Mini can use uncommon terms to make you think a little harder. This is just one of the reasons I enjoy puzzles so much.
The finest puzzles, in my opinion, are those that teach you a new word or remind you of one you've forgotten. "Droll" is one of the words. It is not something I use in daily talks. But after seeing it, I thought, "Yes, that is exactly right." The Mini's simple elegance in word choice contributes to its overall satisfaction. It's not just about filling out boxes. It's about those small moments of discovery.
This particular clue seemed well-placed in the puzzle. It wasn't tucked up in an obscure nook. It was right there, inviting me to find the appropriate word. I especially enjoy how the NYT Mini challenges my vocabulary. It is not extremely scholarly, yet it does not avoid utilizing uncommon vocabulary. This keeps things interesting and prevents the riddles from becoming redundant day after day. It's a minor feature that demonstrates good puzzle design.
The NYT Mini Crossword for June 2 had a clue about 'Baptisms and bat mitzvahs' that might have stumped you. We look at why it was a clever one and how to solve it.
Other tricky moments and delightful solutions from today's mini crossword.
Beyond the amusing words, a look at how the rest of the puzzle worked out for me.
While "DROLL" was my particular favorite, a few other clues from the June 17th puzzle were intriguing. The clue for 1 Across, "Boston Brahmin types," was definitely the most challenging for me. Without the crossing letters, it would have been a guess. WASPS is a phrase that may not be familiar to everyone. I acquired it by filling out the Down responses first, such as "Voting districts" (WARDS) and "Establishment offering chemical treatments" (SPA). This is a frequent tactic among Mini players: if one clue appears difficult, move on to another and return later. This puzzle demonstrated why that works.
I also enjoyed "Look forward to" for 6 Across. The response was AWAIT. It's a basic term, yet the hint felt more official than you'd expect for such a short one. It gave a touch of unexpected flair to the puzzle. Then there was a "stock market bounceback" for 7 Across, which resulted in a rally. This is an example of a clue that uses specific language from a certain issue while remaining understandable to the majority of people. It appears intelligent without being overly obscure.
The Down clue "Contents of a box labeled SMTWTFS" for 4 Down was pretty inventive. The response was days. It makes you think about what those letters stand for: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It's a humorous way of hinting at the solution. And 5 Down's "Focus of Vogue and Elle" was rather straightforward: STYLE. That was a lovely easy victory following some of the more thought-provoking ones. I enjoy the Mini's balance; it isn't all hard or easy. It has a good mix.
Many players were confused by a tough clue about 'Boston Brahmin types' in the NYT Mini Crossword on June 17. We're looking at how this particular answer relates to a historical group and the allure of everyday riddles.
Why the New York Times Mini Crossword remains a daily habit for so many of us.
From its simple beginnings to its role as a favorite quick mental exercise each morning.
The first crossword puzzle appeared on December 21, 1913, in the New York World newspaper. It was known as "FUN's Word-Cross Puzzle" back then. It appeared extremely different from what we play now. It even had a diamond form. In addition, several letters lacked a "Across" or "Down" clue. And the same term was used twice as a response. The rules we now use for crosswords had not yet been fully developed. It's interesting to see how far puzzles have progressed.
Today's NYT Mini is an excellent modern take on an ancient idea. It is quick to digest. It works wonderfully for a morning ritual or a quick break during the day. Many players aim to "speed-run" it, finishing as quickly as possible. I'm not normally one for speed running, but I enjoy challenging myself to beat my past times. It adds another level of enjoyment to the encounter.
The Mini's accessibility, in my opinion, is what sets it apart. You don't have to be a crossword expert to enjoy it. It is welcoming to novice players while yet providing enough challenge for those who play every day. It's just a nice little mental stretch. And because it's free, everyone may enjoy it. I can usually count on it to provide a consistent and pleasurable start to my day. Even on days when a clue like "whimsically amusing" makes me pause for a moment.