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Connections Hints for August 31, 2023 #80

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 31, 2023 #80

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Yellow Category — August 31, 2023

Green Category — August 31, 2023

Blue Category — August 31, 2023

Purple Category — August 31, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — APPETIZER UNIT

Why is “NACHO” in the Yellow group?

a type of Mexican dish, typically consisting of tortilla chips topped with cheese and other ingredients

Purple group — ___JACK

Why is “LUMBER” in the Purple group?

wood or timber, often used for building or construction

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (August 31, 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.

CHIP
Definition: a small piece of food, often served as a snack
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small piece of material, like wood or stone
DING
Definition: a small dent or depression in a surface
Why it's tricky: can also be an onomatopoeic word for a ringing sound
SCRATCH
Definition: to rub or scrape against a surface, often to remove something
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a mark or line made by scratching
FLAP
Definition: a part of a garment or object that hangs loose, often used for fastening
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of motion, like flapping one's arms

Connections #80 explained

Why these words connect (August 31, 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: APPETIZER UNIT

These are all types of appetizers or small food items, often served in a social setting, like a party or gathering. They are typically bite-sized and can be savory or sweet.

Green group: RESPONSE TO A CORRECT ANSWER

These are all phrases or words used to indicate that someone has given a correct answer, often in a game or quiz show. They are used to provide feedback and encouragement.

Blue group: MAR

These are all words that refer to small damages or imperfections, often on a surface or object. They can be used to describe a variety of things, from a small scratch on a car to a chip in a piece of glass.

Purple group: ___JACK

These are all types of jacks, often used in games or activities, like a deck of cards or a children's toy. They can be used to describe a variety of things, from a type of card game to a type of toy or device.

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.

CHIP

Seems like it belongs to: APPETIZER UNIT

Actually belongs to: MAR

while a chip can be a type of food, in this context it refers to a small piece of material, like wood or stone, that is damaged or removed

SCRATCH

Seems like it belongs to: APPETIZER UNIT

Actually belongs to: MAR

while scratch can refer to a type of food, like scratch-made, in this context it refers to a mark or line made by rubbing or scraping against a surface

FLAP

Seems like it belongs to: MAR

Actually belongs to: ___JACK

while flap can refer to a type of motion, like flapping one's arms, in this context it refers to a type of jack, like a flapjack

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “CHIP” didn't go with APPETIZER UNIT

Seems like: APPETIZER UNIT → Actually: MAR

while a chip can be a type of food, in this context it refers to a small piece of material, like wood or stone, that is damaged or removed

Why “SCRATCH” didn't go with APPETIZER UNIT

Seems like: APPETIZER UNIT → Actually: MAR

while scratch can refer to a type of food, like scratch-made, in this context it refers to a mark or line made by rubbing or scraping against a surface

Why “FLAP” didn't go with MAR

Seems like: MAR → Actually: ___JACK

while flap can refer to a type of motion, like flapping one's arms, in this context it refers to a type of jack, like a flapjack

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