Yellow group — BACKING
Why is “AEGIS” in the Yellow group?
a protective shield or defense, originating from Greek mythology
Connections Hints for September 28, 2025 #839
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 28, 2025 #839
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 2025-09-28. 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 — September 28, 2025
Green Category — September 28, 2025
Blue Category — September 28, 2025
Purple Category — September 28, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
Why is “FLEUR-DE-LIS” in the Purple group?
a stylized lily flower, used as a symbol by the New Orleans Saints
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (September 28, 2025)
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.
- VIRUS
- Definition: a type of malicious software
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a biological virus
- GUARD
- Definition: protection or defense
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sports position
- HORSE
- Definition: part of the Trojan Horse malware
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to an animal or the NFL team logo
- SHIELD
- Definition: a protective device
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a superhero or a sports team
Connections #839 explained
Why these words connect (September 28, 2025)
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: BACKING
These words all relate to providing defense or safeguarding something, whether it's a physical shield or a metaphorical one.
Green group: MALICIOUS SOFTWARE
These words all refer to different types of malware, including viruses, worms, and backdoors, which can harm computer systems.
Blue group: GUM BRANDS
These words are all well-known brands of chewing gum, including Extra, Orbit, and Trident.
Purple group: N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
These words all refer to logos or symbols of different NFL teams, including the Buffalo Bills and the New Orleans Saints.
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.
“HORSE”
Seems like it belongs to: N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
Actually belongs to: MALICIOUS SOFTWARE
The word 'HORSE' seems like it belongs to the NFL team logos, but it's actually part of the Trojan Horse malware.
“GUARD”
Seems like it belongs to: N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
Actually belongs to: BACKING
The word 'GUARD' seems like it belongs to the NFL team logos, but it's actually a type of protection or defense.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “HORSE” didn't go with N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
Seems like: N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS → Actually: MALICIOUS SOFTWARE
The word 'HORSE' seems like it belongs to the NFL team logos, but it's actually part of the Trojan Horse malware.
Why “GUARD” didn't go with N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
Seems like: N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS → Actually: BACKING
The word 'GUARD' seems like it belongs to the NFL team logos, but it's actually a type of protection or defense.