NYT Connections Hint - December 7, 2025

Hey, fellow word warriors! 🎉 Today’s Connections game brought a delightfully bizarre mix of words that had me exploring everything from organ meats to woodworking jargon. I almost mistook 'DADO' for some kind of fancy dance move! 😂 Let me take you through today’s wacky word adventure!

Word Explanations

• GIZZARD

  • Ah, the gizzard! This little muscle is responsible for grinding up food—think of it as a chef in a chicken's stomach. It’s often found in traditional dishes across many cultures. And hey, it’s not just a weird word; it's a delightful delicacy for some!

• GRECO

  • Ah, GRECO! This simply rolls off the tongue. It’s often referred to in cultural contexts, like ‘El Greco’, the famous painter. It brings a European flair with a sprinkle of charm—did someone say art?

• MORTISE

  • MORTISE—a term well-loved in the world of carpentry! This cut creates the perfect fitting for joints. With the right mortise and tenon, you can create sturdy furniture that can last for generations. Pretty neat, huh?

• HURTLE

  • 'HURTLE' is a fun one—this verb packs a punch! It makes me think of cartoon characters running after something precious, all while creating a flurry of dust. Honestly, I might have hurtled myself off the couch when I got excited hearing it!

• DADO

  • DADO, not just a term but a way to connect pieces of wood! Imagine creating a shelf that could withstand a mini earthquake—this technique does it. Handy to know if you’re any bit of a DIY enthusiast!

• BARREL

  • Oh, BARREL! This one brings such vivid imagery—think of rolling barrels down a hill, creating joy for kids and chaos for nearby adults. It’s also a nod to some delicious drinks. What's not to love?

• HEART

  • The HEART is not just a body part—it's the essence of love and life! This organ literally pumps life through your veins. Also, isn’t it just fascinating how it symbolizes so many feelings?

• TEAR

  • TEAR, oh, the many meanings! It's a release of emotions one moment, and then for a split second can be about ripping a paper or fabric. It’s funny how context can completely change how we see a word.

• TONGUE

  • The TONGUE, now that is a multi-talented organ—tasting, talking, and even twisting! It’s our gatekeeper to flavors and a vital part of connection through speech. Did you know it can even help with our sense of balance? Mind-blowing!

• BOLT

  • Imagine a BOLT—like the flash of lightning or the speedy guy at the track. In our context, it's about fast movements as well! Such a strong word with power behind it; you can almost feel the wind rushing past you!

• DORADO

  • DORADO brings a sense of sunny shores, colorful fish, and golden myths associated with it. There's something magical about the word itself and the imagery it invokes—my mind instantly heads to warm beaches!

• DOVETAIL

  • DOVETAIL is like a secret handshake for carpenters! It’s all about the beauty in how pieces interlock. The elegance and design speak to the artistry side of woodworking, making it super fascinating.

• PASO

  • PASO isn't just a word; it's a step (or, as the Spaniards might say, el paso). It dances off your tongue, especially when you think of it in the context of flamenco. Imagine those spirited steps echoing in tune with the music!

• MITRE

  • MITRE gives me architectural vibes—specifically for those stylish roof joints! Coupled with a rapid project, it's the term that feels like ‘let’s build something exciting today!’

• TRIPE

  • TRIPE—now there's a word that evokes some strong reactions. Common in several cuisines around the world, it's all about embracing the lesser-known parts. Not for everyone, but definitely a culinary adventure!

• CAPITAN

  • Ahh, CAPITAN! This word rolls in with authority and adventure. It’s a nod to leadership and being at the helm of something big—a captain of a ship, leading the way across open seas. Who's ready to set sail?

Theme Hints

1. MOVE AT BREAKNECK SPEED

   • These words are all about speed—think about things that fly or rush past quickly!

2. ORGAN MEATS

   • These are all edible parts of animals—often found in international cuisine, but not always everyone's cup of tea!

3. WOODWORKING JOINT TERMS

   • Think about how things fit together! These terms come from the world of woodworking.

4. EL ___

   • Think Spanish! All these words lead to an iconic phrase featuring the word 'el'!

Answers Explanation

So, there you have it! Another challenging day with a sprinkle of fun and some really peculiar words. 🌟 Honestly, I never thought I’d learn so much about organ meats and woodworking in one sitting! Until tomorrow, stay bright and keep those connections alive!