Yellow group — KINDS OF PIES
Why is “SHOOFLY” in the Yellow group?
a type of molasses pie, often served at Pennsylvania Dutch gatherings
Connections Hints for May 21, 2026 #1074
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 21, 2026 #1074
Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-05-21. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.
Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.
Yellow Category — May 21, 2026
Green Category — May 21, 2026
Blue Category — May 21, 2026
Purple Category — May 21, 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 — THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
Why is “CABOOSE” in the Green group?
the last car on a freight train, also known as a guard's van
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 21, 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.
- LOVE
- Definition: a tennis scoring term
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a strong affection
- CAN
- Definition: a container, or a verb meaning able to
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings and uses
- MOON
- Definition: to expose one's buttocks
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a celestial body
- DEUCE
- Definition: a tennis scoring term
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a card game term
Connections #1074 explained
Why these words connect (May 21, 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 PIES
These are all types of sweet or savory pies, often served as desserts or side dishes, including classic flavors like PECAN and PUMPKIN, as well as more obscure types like SHOOFLY
Green group: THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
These are all words related to the backside or buttocks, including slang terms like MOON and words for objects found near the rear of things, such as CABOOSE
Blue group: TENNIS SCORING TERMS
These are all terms used to describe scores or situations in the sport of tennis, including LOVE, which means zero, and DEUCE, which means the score is tied at 40-40
Purple group: ___ MUSTARD
These are all types of mustard, including COLONEL, which is a brand, and HONEY, which is a flavor, as well as HOT and YELLOW, which describe the level of heat or color
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.
“HOT”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
Actually belongs to: ___ MUSTARD
HOT seems like it could be related to butts, but it's actually a type of mustard
“PEACH”
Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF PIES
Actually belongs to: THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
PEACH seems like it could be a type of pie, but it's actually related to butts, possibly due to the phrase 'peachy keen'
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “HOT” didn't go with THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
Seems like: THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS → Actually: ___ MUSTARD
HOT seems like it could be related to butts, but it's actually a type of mustard
Why “PEACH” didn't go with KINDS OF PIES
Seems like: KINDS OF PIES → Actually: THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
PEACH seems like it could be a type of pie, but it's actually related to butts, possibly due to the phrase 'peachy keen'