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Connections Hints for May 12, 2024 #335

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 12, 2024 #335

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Yellow Category — May 12, 2024

Green Category — May 12, 2024

Blue Category — May 12, 2024

Purple Category — May 12, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES

Why is “LIBRE” in the Blue group?

a type of cocktail, specifically a rum and cola drink

Green group — CUTS OF BEEF

Why is “FLANK” in the Green group?

a cut of beef from the belly area

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 12, 2024)

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.

NEEDLE
Definition: to tease or provoke someone
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a sewing tool
RAM
Definition: a type of computer memory
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a male sheep
MIA
Definition: missing in action
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the singer or the Miami airport code
PIN
Definition: a type of badge or brooch
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small nail or a personal identification number

Connections #335 explained

Why these words connect (May 12, 2024)

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: PLAYFULLY POKE FUN AT

These words all describe ways to playfully poke fun at someone, often in a lighthearted or joking manner, such as teasing or kidding someone.

Green group: CUTS OF BEEF

These words all describe different cuts of beef, such as chuck, flank, and loin, which are commonly found in butcher shops and restaurants.

Blue group: ACRONYMS/INITIALISMS

These words all describe acronyms or initialisms, such as MIA, OMG, and PIN, which are commonly used in everyday language.

Purple group: COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES

These words all describe types of cocktails, such as a Cuba Libre or a Moscow Mule, which are popular drinks in bars and restaurants.

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.

ROUND

Seems like it belongs to: PLAYFULLY POKE FUN AT

Actually belongs to: CUTS OF BEEF

while 'round' can be a verb meaning to tease, in this context it refers to a cut of beef

MULE

Seems like it belongs to: ACRONYMS/INITIALISMS

Actually belongs to: COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES

while 'mule' can be an acronym, in this context it refers to a type of cocktail

KID

Seems like it belongs to: COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES

Actually belongs to: PLAYFULLY POKE FUN AT

while 'kid' can be a type of cocktail, in this context it refers to a verb meaning to tease

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “ROUND” didn't go with PLAYFULLY POKE FUN AT

Seems like: PLAYFULLY POKE FUN AT → Actually: CUTS OF BEEF

while 'round' can be a verb meaning to tease, in this context it refers to a cut of beef

Why “MULE” didn't go with ACRONYMS/INITIALISMS

Seems like: ACRONYMS/INITIALISMS → Actually: COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES

while 'mule' can be an acronym, in this context it refers to a type of cocktail

Why “KID” didn't go with COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES

Seems like: COCKTAILS MINUS PLACE NAMES → Actually: PLAYFULLY POKE FUN AT

while 'kid' can be a type of cocktail, in this context it refers to a verb meaning to tease

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