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
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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 pies, including sweet and savory options. They're often served at gatherings and are a staple of many cuisines.
Green group: THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
These words are all related to butts, whether it's a body part or the back of something. They're often used in idioms and phrases.
Blue group: TENNIS SCORING TERMS
These are all terms used in tennis to keep track of the score. They're often used in conjunction with each other to determine the winner of a game or set.
Purple group: ___ MUSTARD
These are all types of mustard, often used as condiments or ingredients in recipes. They're named after their creators or ingredients.
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 due to the phrase 'peach of a butt'
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 due to the phrase 'peach of a butt'