Yellow group — KINDS OF HATS
Why is “PORKPIE” in the Yellow group?
a type of hat, typically made of felt or straw, characterized by a narrow brim and indented crown
Connections Hints for January 16, 2026 #949
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for January 16, 2026 #949
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Yellow Category — January 16, 2026
Green Category — January 16, 2026
Blue Category — January 16, 2026
Purple Category — January 16, 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 — MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL
Why is “BANANARAMA” in the Blue group?
a British pop duo from the 1980s, known for hits like 'Venus' and 'Cruel Summer'
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 16, 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.
- SLAM
- Definition: a type of grand event, like a Grand Slam in tennis
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a loud noise or a type of poetry
- PANAMA
- Definition: a type of hat
- Why it's tricky: also a country in Central America
- STORY
- Definition: a part of a kid's bedtime routine, like reading a story
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a narrative or a level of a building
- BRUSHING
- Definition: a part of a kid's bedtime routine, like brushing teeth
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a painting technique or a brief encounter
Connections #949 explained
Why these words connect (January 16, 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: KINDS OF HATS
These are all types of hats, each with its own unique characteristics and styles, such as the Derby, Fedora, Panama, and Porkpie, which are all named after their origins or distinctive features
Green group: COMPONENTS OF A KID’S BEDTIME ROUTINE
These are all activities that are commonly part of a kid's bedtime routine, such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a story, which help signal to the child that it's time for sleep
Blue group: MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL
These are all musical acts whose names contain only the vowel 'A', such as Alabama, Bananarama, Kansas, and Santana, which are all known for their distinctive sounds and styles
Purple group: GRAND ___
These are all words that can be paired with 'Grand' to create a new phrase, such as Grand Bahama, Grand Canyon, Grand Slam, and Grand Piano, which are all known for their grandeur or significance
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.
“ALABAMA”
Seems like it belongs to: GRAND ___
Actually belongs to: MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL
Alabama is a state, but also a musical act, which can lead to confusion with the 'Grand' category, as in Grand Canyon or Grand Bahama
“PANAMA”
Seems like it belongs to: MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL
Actually belongs to: KINDS OF HATS
Panama is a country, but also a type of hat, which can lead to confusion with the musical acts category
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “ALABAMA” didn't go with GRAND ___
Seems like: GRAND ___ → Actually: MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL
Alabama is a state, but also a musical act, which can lead to confusion with the 'Grand' category, as in Grand Canyon or Grand Bahama
Why “PANAMA” didn't go with MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL
Seems like: MUSICAL ACTS WITH 'A' AS THE ONLY VOWEL → Actually: KINDS OF HATS
Panama is a country, but also a type of hat, which can lead to confusion with the musical acts category