NYT Mini Answer for Jan 9, 2025

Happy 2025 to all mini crossword enthusiasts out there.

Don't worry if you're stuck on a puzzle - it's all part of the fun. You're not alone in this challenge. Many skilled puzzle solvers have been in your shoes before, and they've come out on top.

This page is here to help you overcome those tricky clues and fill in those pesky blanks. We'll provide you with hints and guidance to get you back on track. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, our mini crossword hints will give you the boost you need to solve the puzzle.

So, take a deep breath, relax, and let's get started. Browse through our hints, and see if you can crack the code. Remember, the key to solving mini crosswords is patience and persistence. You got this!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. The translation of this English word is "sinister" in Latin

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

MALU LEFT MALI

5-Across. Brief role for a big star

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE CAMEO GIGGY STAGE ROLES

6-Across. Muppet with a pet worm named Slimey

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

KERMI OSCAR WORMS SLIME MUPPE

7-Across. Specifics, slangily

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

DETAI DEETS LOWER FLAKE DETAI

8-Across. Playground retort to "Am not!"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ARESO NOYES HOUSE NOYES

1-Down. High-tech beam

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

RADIO LASER BEAMS SPACE ROBOT

2-Down. Host with a microphone

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

EMCEE HOUSE MCING HOSTS MOUTH

3-Down. Extraordinary achievements

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ACCOM FEATS AWARD HONOR GLORY

4-Down. Where most of the body's organs are located

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CHEST TORSO ABDOM CORES

5-Down. Musical finale

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

CODA ENDS LAST FINA SONG

Based on the hints provided, have you managed to deduce the solution? If you're still struggling, please refer to the answers listed below.

Today's Answers Explained

The translation of this English word is "sinister" in Latin

The word "LEFT" in English is related to the Latin word "sinister," which means "left" or "on the left side." In Latin, the word "sinister" was used to describe something that was on the left side, which was considered unlucky or inauspicious. This is because in ancient Rome, people were right-handed, and the left side was associated with the heart, which was seen as a vulnerable and emotional organ. As a result, the Latin word "sinister" took on a negative connotation, implying something that was unfavorable or ominous.

When the Romans adopted the Latin language, they brought this association with them, and the word "sinister" became a synonym for "left" in a literal sense. However, it also retained its negative connotations, implying something that was suspicious, ominous, or even evil.

In English, the word "left" eventually replaced "sinister" as the standard term for the side opposite the right, but the Latin word "sinister" has retained its association with the concept of something being unfavorable or inauspicious.

Brief role for a big star

The hint "Brief role for a big star" is related to the word "CAMEO" in English because a cameo is a brief, often uncredited appearance by a well-known actor in a film or television show. The term "cameo" is derived from the idea of a cameo brooch, a type of jewelry featuring a small, intricately carved design. In the context of acting, a cameo is a similar concept, where a big star appears in a small, often fleeting role.

Muppet with a pet worm named Slimey

The hint "Muppet with a pet worm named Slimey" refers to Oscar the Grouch, a character from the Muppet Show.

The word "OSCAR" in English is also the name of the Academy Award, which is a prestigious award given to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements.

Specifics, slangily

The hint "Specifics, slangily" is related to the word "DEETS" in English, as "DEETS" is a slang abbreviation for "details".

Playground retort to "Am not!"

The hint "Playground retort to 'Am not!'" refers to a common phrase used in a playground argument. The phrase is "I am so!" or "I am too!" but the most common retort is "Am not!" and the retort to that is "Are so!"

High-tech beam

The hint "High-tech beam" is related to the word "LASER" in English because LASER is an acronym that stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation."

Host with a microphone

The word "EMCEE" is a term used in English to refer to the host or presenter of an event, such as a conference, awards show, or other gathering.

The hint "Host with a microphone" is related to the word "EMCEE" because it describes the role of the EMCEE, who typically hosts the event and uses a microphone to communicate with the audience.

Extraordinary achievements

The word "FEATS" is related to the hint "Extraordinary achievements" because in English, "feats" is a noun that refers to remarkable or impressive accomplishments, often requiring great skill, effort, or bravery.

Where most of the body's organs are located

The word "TORSO" in English refers to the main part of the human body that contains most of the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, and intestines.

Musical finale

The word "CODA" in English is related to the hint "Musical finale" because in music, a coda is a section at the end of a piece that provides a conclusion or a final thought. It is often a short, solo passage that wraps up the music and provides a sense of closure. Therefore, the term "CODA" is closely associated with the concept of a musical finale.