Green group — FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES
Why is “BELLOWS” in the Green group?
a device for blowing air, used to fan the flames in a fireplace
Connections Hints for February 19, 2026 #983
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Yellow Category — February 19, 2026
Green Category — February 19, 2026
Blue Category — February 19, 2026
Purple Category — February 19, 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 — ELEMENTS OF "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"
Why is “POLYESTER SUIT” in the Blue group?
a type of suit made famous by the 1970s disco era, often associated with John Travolta's character
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 19, 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.
- BOYLE
- Definition: a homophone of 'boil', a method of cooking
- Why it's tricky: can be confused with the scientist Robert Boyle
- SEER
- Definition: a homophone of 'sear', a method of cooking
- Why it's tricky: can be confused with a person who sees the future
- STU
- Definition: a homophone of 'stew', a method of cooking
- Why it's tricky: can be confused with a shortened form of names like Stuart
- BRAYS
- Definition: a homophone of 'braise', a method of cooking
- Why it's tricky: can be confused with the sound a donkey makes
Connections #983 explained
Why these words connect (February 19, 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: EASTER SUPPLIES
These are all common items associated with the Easter holiday, often used for decorating or filling baskets.
Green group: FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES
These are all tools or items used to maintain or interact with a fireplace, including blowing air and handling hot coals.
Blue group: ELEMENTS OF "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"
These are all iconic elements of the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, including the main character, music genre, and fashion items.
Purple group: HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO COOK SOMETHING
These are all homophones of different cooking techniques, including boiling, braising, searing, and stewing.
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.
“POKER”
Seems like it belongs to: HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO COOK SOMETHING
Actually belongs to: FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES
while 'poker' can be a homophone of a way to cook, in this context it refers to a fireplace tool
“STU”
Seems like it belongs to: ELEMENTS OF "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"
Actually belongs to: HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO COOK SOMETHING
while 'Stu' could be a character's name, in this context it's a homophone of 'stew'
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “POKER” didn't go with HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO COOK SOMETHING
Seems like: HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO COOK SOMETHING → Actually: FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES
while 'poker' can be a homophone of a way to cook, in this context it refers to a fireplace tool
Why “STU” didn't go with ELEMENTS OF "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"
Seems like: ELEMENTS OF "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" → Actually: HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO COOK SOMETHING
while 'Stu' could be a character's name, in this context it's a homophone of 'stew'