Green group — REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
Why is “SHUCK” in the Green group?
to remove the outer covering or husk from something, especially corn or an oyster
Connections Hints for January 1, 2026 #934
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Yellow Category — January 1, 2026
Green Category — January 1, 2026
Blue Category — January 1, 2026
Purple Category — January 1, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — "ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT
Why is “HOUND” in the Blue group?
an enthusiast or fan, especially for a particular activity or hobby
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 1, 2026)
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.
- BUFF
- Definition: an enthusiast or fan
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a polished or shiny surface
- HEAD
- Definition: an enthusiast or fan, as in 'head' of a particular field
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a body part or a leader
- RAT
- Definition: an enthusiast or fan, as in 'rat' for a particular activity
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a rodent or an informant
- SCOTCH
- Definition: a type of butter or a whiskey
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a type of tape or a verb meaning to thwart
Connections #934 explained
Why these words connect (January 1, 2026)
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: BIT OF MAGIC
These words are all related to magic or supernatural powers, including spells, incantations, and charms. They are often used in fantasy or fictional contexts to describe magical abilities or events.
Green group: REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
These words are all related to removing the outer covering or layer from something, including peeling, shucking, or skinning. They are often used in culinary or everyday contexts to describe the process of preparing food or objects.
Blue group: "ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT
These words are all related to enthusiasts or fans, including buffs, heads, and hounds. They are often used in informal or colloquial contexts to describe someone who is passionate or dedicated to a particular activity or hobby.
Purple group: BUTTER___
These words are all related to types of butter or butter-related concepts, including fingers, fly, nut, and scotch. They are often used in culinary or gastronomic contexts to describe different types of butter or spreads.
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.
“SKIN”
Seems like it belongs to: BIT OF MAGIC
Actually belongs to: REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
while 'skin' can refer to a magical or mystical concept, in this context it refers to removing the outer layer of something
“CHARM”
Seems like it belongs to: REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
Actually belongs to: BIT OF MAGIC
while 'charm' can refer to a pleasing or attractive quality, in this context it refers to a magical spell or incantation
“BUFF”
Seems like it belongs to: BUTTER___
Actually belongs to: "ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT
while 'buff' can refer to a type of butter or a polished surface, in this context it refers to an enthusiast or fan
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “SKIN” didn't go with BIT OF MAGIC
Seems like: BIT OF MAGIC → Actually: REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
while 'skin' can refer to a magical or mystical concept, in this context it refers to removing the outer layer of something
Why “CHARM” didn't go with REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
Seems like: REMOVE THE COVERING FROM → Actually: BIT OF MAGIC
while 'charm' can refer to a pleasing or attractive quality, in this context it refers to a magical spell or incantation
Why “BUFF” didn't go with BUTTER___
Seems like: BUTTER___ → Actually: "ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT
while 'buff' can refer to a type of butter or a polished surface, in this context it refers to an enthusiast or fan