Green group — CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Why is “BLOOM COUNTY” in the Green group?
a classic American comic strip created by Berke Breathed
Connections Hints for February 22, 2026 #986
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Yellow Category — February 22, 2026
Green Category — February 22, 2026
Blue Category — February 22, 2026
Purple Category — February 22, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Why is “ROUGH RIDERS” in the Purple group?
the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry, led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 22, 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.
- SILVER
- Definition: having gray hair
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the metal or a color
- BIG STICK
- Definition: Theodore Roosevelt's diplomacy policy
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a literal large stick
- TEDDY BEAR
- Definition: a stuffed animal named after Theodore Roosevelt
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the president himself
- ROUGH RIDERS
- Definition: Theodore Roosevelt's cavalry unit
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a general term for rugged individuals
- MISFIT
- Definition: someone who doesn't fit in
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to an object that doesn't fit
- BULL MOOSE
- Definition: Theodore Roosevelt's political party
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the animal
- SALT-AND-PEPPER
- Definition: having gray and black hair
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the seasonings
Connections #986 explained
Why these words connect (February 22, 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: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
These words all describe individuals who are rejected or don't fit in with their peers, often due to their unusual behavior or characteristics, such as the BLACK SHEEP of the family or a social MISFIT.
Green group: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
These words all describe the appearance of graying hair, such as DISTINGUISHED, which implies a sense of wisdom and age, or SALT-AND-PEPPER, which describes the mixture of gray and black hair.
Blue group: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
These classic comic strips, such as PEANUTS and BLONDIE, have been entertaining readers for decades with their humorous storylines and memorable characters, like Charlie Brown and Dagwood Bumstead.
Purple group: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
These words are all connected to the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, including his nickname TEDDY, his policy of speaking softly and carrying a BIG STICK, and his leadership of the ROUGH RIDERS during the Spanish-American War.
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.
“SILVER”
Seems like it belongs to: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Actually belongs to: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
SILVER might seem like an outcast, but it actually describes graying hair
“BIG STICK”
Seems like it belongs to: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
BIG STICK might seem like an outcast, but it's actually a policy of Theodore Roosevelt
“TEDDY BEAR”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
TEDDY BEAR might seem like a comic strip character, but it's actually a stuffed animal named after Theodore Roosevelt
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “SILVER” didn't go with ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Seems like: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN → Actually: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
SILVER might seem like an outcast, but it actually describes graying hair
Why “BIG STICK” didn't go with ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Seems like: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
BIG STICK might seem like an outcast, but it's actually a policy of Theodore Roosevelt
Why “TEDDY BEAR” didn't go with CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Seems like: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
TEDDY BEAR might seem like a comic strip character, but it's actually a stuffed animal named after Theodore Roosevelt