Yellow group — UTOPIA
Why is “SHANGRI-LA” in the Yellow group?
Mythical paradise in James Hilton's novel 'Lost Horizon', describing a hidden and isolated valley
Connections Hints for December 11, 2024 #548
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 11, 2024 #548
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Yellow Category — December 11, 2024
Green Category — December 11, 2024
Blue Category — December 11, 2024
Purple Category — December 11, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Yellow group — UTOPIA
Why is “XANADU” in the Yellow group?
Mythical place of beauty and luxury, inspired by the summer palace of Kubla Khan in China
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 11, 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.
- PARALYMPICS
- Definition: International multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities
- Why it's tricky: The word 'para' has multiple meanings, including 'beside' or 'beyond', which could mislead solvers
- SHANGRI-LA
- Definition: Mythical paradise in James Hilton's novel 'Lost Horizon'
- Why it's tricky: The word is often used to describe a real-world resort or hotel, rather than its original literary context
- XANADU
- Definition: Mythical place of beauty and luxury, also the name of a film and a song
- Why it's tricky: The word has multiple cultural references, including a film, a song, and a real-world location
- POKÉMON
- Definition: Media franchise including video games, anime, and trading card games
- Why it's tricky: The word is often associated with the franchise's cute and colorful characters, rather than its origins as a portmanteau
Connections #548 explained
Why these words connect (December 11, 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: UTOPIA
These are all names of mythical or idealized places, often described as havens or paradises, including the fictional Shangri-La and the poetic Xanadu
Green group: THINGS YOU SHAKE
These are all objects that you might shake, including a can of hairspray, a Magic 8 Ball, or a bottle of salad dressing, often to mix or randomize their contents
Blue group: PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX
These are all words that combine two proper nouns, such as Jazz and Exercise to form Jazzercise, or Wiki and Encyclopedia to form Wikipedia, often to create a new concept or brand
Purple group: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR “FRIEND”
These are all words that end with synonyms for 'friend', such as 'pal' in PayPal or 'buddy' in Rosebud, often used to describe a close relationship or companion
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.
“PAYPAL”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS YOU SHAKE
Actually belongs to: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR “FRIEND”
While PayPal is often associated with online transactions, its name ends with 'pal', a synonym for friend, making it a tricky fit for the 'ending in synonyms for friend' category
“MAGIC 8 BALL”
Seems like it belongs to: PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX
Actually belongs to: THINGS YOU SHAKE
The Magic 8 Ball is a well-known toy that you shake to get an answer, but its name doesn't fit the portmanteau pattern of the other category
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “PAYPAL” didn't go with THINGS YOU SHAKE
Seems like: THINGS YOU SHAKE → Actually: ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR “FRIEND”
While PayPal is often associated with online transactions, its name ends with 'pal', a synonym for friend, making it a tricky fit for the 'ending in synonyms for friend' category
Why “MAGIC 8 BALL” didn't go with PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX
Seems like: PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX → Actually: THINGS YOU SHAKE
The Magic 8 Ball is a well-known toy that you shake to get an answer, but its name doesn't fit the portmanteau pattern of the other category