Green group — CHICKEN DESCRIPTORS
Why is “BANTAM” in the Green group?
a small breed of domestic chicken
Connections Hints for February 18, 2026 #982
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Yellow Category — February 18, 2026
Green Category — February 18, 2026
Blue Category — February 18, 2026
Purple Category — February 18, 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 — CHICKEN DESCRIPTORS
Why is “LEGHORN” in the Green group?
a breed of domestic chicken originating from Italy
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 18, 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.
- BAD
- Definition: good, excellent
- Why it's tricky: opposite of typical meaning
- FLY
- Definition: fashionable, attractive
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including insect and airplane
- RAD
- Definition: excellent, cool
- Why it's tricky: informal slang, short for 'radical'
- CRESTED
- Definition: having a crest, especially on the head
- Why it's tricky: uncommon adjective, especially for chickens
Connections #982 explained
Why these words connect (February 18, 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: RETRO HAIR DIRECTIVES
These are all hairstyles or hair treatments that were popular in the past, often associated with specific decades or subcultures.
Green group: RETRO SLANG FOR COOL
These are all slang terms that were used in the past to describe something or someone as cool or attractive, often originating from specific subcultures or decades.
Blue group: CHICKEN DESCRIPTORS
These are all words that describe different breeds or characteristics of chickens, often used in poultry farming or birdwatching.
Purple group: ___ CREAM
These are all types of cream that are commonly used in cooking or as toppings, often associated with specific desserts or dishes.
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.
“BAD”
Seems like it belongs to: negative adjective
Actually belongs to: RETRO SLANG FOR COOL
BAD is a slang term for something good, not a negative adjective
“FLY”
Seems like it belongs to: insect
Actually belongs to: RETRO SLANG FOR COOL
FLY is a slang term for attractive or fashionable, not the insect
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BAD” didn't go with negative adjective
Seems like: negative adjective → Actually: RETRO SLANG FOR COOL
BAD is a slang term for something good, not a negative adjective
Why “FLY” didn't go with insect
Seems like: insect → Actually: RETRO SLANG FOR COOL
FLY is a slang term for attractive or fashionable, not the insect