For crossword enthusiasts, the New York Times Mini Crossword is a daily delight that offers a quick and engaging puzzle to solve. On September 29, 2024, one of the clues that caught the attention of many solvers was the '___ Hawkins dance' puzzle.
This particular clue, found in the 5A position of the Mini Crossword, asks for a 5-letter answer. The solution to this puzzle is SADIE, referring to the 'Sadie Hawkins dance,' a popular theme for high school dances where girls traditionally ask boys to be their dates.
Understanding the Clue
The 'Sadie Hawkins dance' is named after a character from the classic American comic strip 'Li'l Abner' by Al Capp. In the strip, Sadie Hawkins is a homely but kind-hearted woman who, unable to find a husband, chases after the bachelors in her town. This concept has been adapted into various social events, particularly in American high schools, where the traditional roles of asking for a date are reversed.
Other Notable Clues from the September 29 Mini Crossword
In addition to the 'Hawkins dance' clue, the September 29 edition of the NYT Mini Crossword included several other interesting puzzles. For instance, the 1A clue asked for a 'Politician whose last name sounds like 1-Down (and not like a dance!),' with the answer being WALZ, likely referring to Tim Walz, the current Governor of Minnesota.
Other clues included 'The person I used to be, self-descriptively' with the answer OLDME, 'Botches' with the answer FLUBS, and 'Egyptian snakes' with the answer ASPS.
How to Access and Solve the NYT Mini Crossword
The New York Times Mini Crossword is available for free on the New York Times website and the NYT Games app. While the current day's puzzle is accessible to everyone, a subscription to the Times Games section is required to play older puzzles from the archives.
For those who enjoy the challenge of crosswords but are short on time, the Mini Crossword offers an entertaining and quick puzzle that can be completed in just a few minutes. It is part of the broader suite of games offered by the New York Times, including Wordle, Connections, and Strands.
