Blue group — IN THE NATO ALPHABET
Why is “ALFA” in the Blue group?
The first letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet, used for clear communication
Connections Hints for December 7, 2023 #178
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for December 7, 2023 #178
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Yellow Category — December 7, 2023
Green Category — December 7, 2023
Blue Category — December 7, 2023
Purple Category — December 7, 2023
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — CABLE CHANNELS
Why is “HALLMARK” in the Green group?
A cable channel known for its sentimental and romantic programming
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 7, 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.
- LA
- Definition: State abbreviation for Louisiana
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for the city of Los Angeles
- OK
- Definition: State abbreviation for Oklahoma
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for a phrase meaning 'alright'
- E
- Definition: Cable channel Entertainment Television
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for the mathematical constant e
- USA
- Definition: Cable channel USA Network
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for the United States of America
Connections #178 explained
Why these words connect (December 7, 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: STATE ABBREVIATIONS
These are all two-letter abbreviations for states in the United States, used for postal codes and other purposes. They are commonly used to shorten the names of states.
Green group: CABLE CHANNELS
These are all names of popular cable television channels, offering a variety of programming. They are well-known for their unique content and target audiences.
Blue group: IN THE NATO ALPHABET
These are all words used in the NATO phonetic alphabet, which is used for clear communication in situations where standard letter pronunciation may be unclear. Each word corresponds to a letter of the alphabet.
Purple group: ___-___
These are all words that fit a specific pattern, with two syllables and a hyphen in between. They are often used in language to create a rhythmic effect.
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.
“LA”
Seems like it belongs to: CABLE CHANNELS
Actually belongs to: STATE ABBREVIATIONS
LA could be mistaken for a cable channel, but it's actually a state abbreviation
“USA”
Seems like it belongs to: STATE ABBREVIATIONS
Actually belongs to: CABLE CHANNELS
USA could be mistaken for a state abbreviation, but it's actually a cable channel
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “LA” didn't go with CABLE CHANNELS
Seems like: CABLE CHANNELS → Actually: STATE ABBREVIATIONS
LA could be mistaken for a cable channel, but it's actually a state abbreviation
Why “USA” didn't go with STATE ABBREVIATIONS
Seems like: STATE ABBREVIATIONS → Actually: CABLE CHANNELS
USA could be mistaken for a state abbreviation, but it's actually a cable channel