Green group — SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
Why is “CLUCK” in the Green group?
the sound a mother hen makes to communicate with her chicks
Connections Hints for February 16, 2026 #980
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Yellow Category — February 16, 2026
Green Category — February 16, 2026
Blue Category — February 16, 2026
Purple Category — February 16, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
Why is “SQUAWK” in the Green group?
a loud, harsh cry, typically made by a bird, especially a chicken or a seagull
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 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.
- BUCK
- Definition: the male of certain animals, such as deer or rabbits
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a unit of currency or a sudden movement
- DOH
- Definition: an expression of frustration or disappointment
- Why it's tricky: homophone with 'do' and 'dough', and also a reference to Homer Simpson's catchphrase
- FAWN
- Definition: a young deer, or to show admiration or affection
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pale brown color, and is a homophone with 'fawn' as in to show admiration
- RIOT
- Definition: a violent public disturbance, or a hilarious and entertaining situation
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a noun and an adjective, and can be confused with 'laugh' or 'scream'
Connections #980 explained
Why these words connect (February 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: KNEE-SLAPPER
These are all words that describe a strong, intense laugh, often used to express extreme amusement or hilarity, such as the sound of a loud, hearty laugh, or a comedic situation that is extremely funny
Green group: HOMOPHONES
These are all words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings, such as the verb 'to do', the noun 'dough', and the expression 'doh' used to express frustration or disappointment
Blue group: SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
These are all words that describe the different sounds a chicken can make, such as the sound a mother hen makes to communicate with her chicks, or the loud, harsh cry of a chicken
Purple group: STRESS RESPONSES
These are all words that describe the different ways the body can react to stress, such as the 'fight or flight' response, or the feeling of being frozen in fear
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.
“BUCK”
Seems like it belongs to: KNEE-SLAPPER
Actually belongs to: SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
while 'buck' can be a verb meaning to jump or kick, in this context it refers to the male of certain animals, and is a sound a chicken makes
“RIOT”
Seems like it belongs to: STRESS RESPONSES
Actually belongs to: KNEE-SLAPPER
while a riot can be a stressful situation, in this context 'riot' is an adjective meaning hilarious or entertaining, and is a synonym for 'laugh' or 'scream'
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BUCK” didn't go with KNEE-SLAPPER
Seems like: KNEE-SLAPPER → Actually: SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
while 'buck' can be a verb meaning to jump or kick, in this context it refers to the male of certain animals, and is a sound a chicken makes
Why “RIOT” didn't go with STRESS RESPONSES
Seems like: STRESS RESPONSES → Actually: KNEE-SLAPPER
while a riot can be a stressful situation, in this context 'riot' is an adjective meaning hilarious or entertaining, and is a synonym for 'laugh' or 'scream'