Blue group — SANTA’S REINDEER
Why is “VIXEN” in the Blue group?
One of Santa's reindeer, known for being lively and ill-tempered
Connections Hints for August 22, 2023 #71
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for August 22, 2023 #71
Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2023-08-22. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.
Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.
Yellow Category — August 22, 2023
Green Category — August 22, 2023
Blue Category — August 22, 2023
Purple Category — August 22, 2023
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — “BAD ___” MOVIES
Why is “LIEUTENANT” in the Purple group?
Title of a movie, specifically 'Bad Lieutenant', a 1992 film
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (August 22, 2023)
Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.
- CUPID
- Definition: Roman god of love, often depicted as a mischievous child
- Why it's tricky: Multiple meanings: Roman god, matchmaking service, or a name
- HEART
- Definition: Symbol of love, often used on Valentine's Day
- Why it's tricky: Multiple meanings: organ, symbol, or emotion
- COMET
- Definition: One of Santa's reindeer, also a celestial object
- Why it's tricky: Multiple meanings: reindeer or celestial object
- STAND-UP
- Definition: Type of comedic performance
- Why it's tricky: Multiple meanings: type of comedy or physical action
Connections #71 explained
Why these words connect (August 22, 2023)
Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.
Yellow group: PERFORMING ARTISTS
These are all types of artists who perform in front of an audience, including actors, dancers, singers, and comedians.
Green group: SANTA’S REINDEER
These are all names of reindeer that pull Santa's sleigh, as popularized in Christmas folklore and media.
Blue group: SEEN ON VALENTINE’S DAY
These are all things that people often see or give on Valentine's Day, including cards, chocolates, hearts, and roses.
Purple group: “BAD ___” MOVIES
These are all movie titles that start with 'Bad', including 'Bad Boys', 'Bad Lieutenant', 'Bad Santa', and 'Bad Taste'.
Red herrings and trap words explained
These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.
“CUPID”
Seems like it belongs to: SEEN ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Actually belongs to: SANTA’S REINDEER
Cupid is often associated with Valentine's Day, but in this context, it refers to one of Santa's reindeer.
“HEART”
Seems like it belongs to: SANTA’S REINDEER
Actually belongs to: SEEN ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Heart is often associated with love and Valentine's Day, not Santa's reindeer.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CUPID” didn't go with SEEN ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Seems like: SEEN ON VALENTINE’S DAY → Actually: SANTA’S REINDEER
Cupid is often associated with Valentine's Day, but in this context, it refers to one of Santa's reindeer.
Why “HEART” didn't go with SANTA’S REINDEER
Seems like: SANTA’S REINDEER → Actually: SEEN ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Heart is often associated with love and Valentine's Day, not Santa's reindeer.