December 14, 2025

NYT Connections Hint - December 14, 2025

Hey, Connections enthusiasts! Who else loves December’s sparkly puzzles? Today's word set whisked me from a duckling’s triumphant glow-up to the hilariously stubborn pigs of fiction. The “FAWN,” “FLATTER,” “GUSH,” and “PRAISE” group had me feeling extra sweet—so be sure to tell a friend something nice today!

Word Explanations

  • MERMAID

    • MERMAID embodies sea-song charm—half-human, half-legend. “The Little Mermaid” proves love can cross seas, species, and songbooks.

  • CHALK

    • CHALK is crisp, white, and squeaky on blackboards—though digital classrooms have made it a nostalgic memory. Just remember: the “l” is silent, so enjoy that crackle!

  • PORKY

    • PORKY is the big, bold blusterer from “Looney Tunes”—sure, he’s loud, but he’s also huggable. His character flaw? He can’t keep a secret (or his mouth shut!).

  • PRAISE

    • PRAISE is classic approval—think “pat on the back” or a big shoutout. It’s the formal of compliments and the simplest way to say someone did great.

  • WOULD

    • WOULD often signals hypotheticals—softening requests and speculation. Like if December didn’t exist? Well, it wouldn’t be such a cozy puzzle season.

  • BABE

    • BABE is the underdog hero—small sheep, big dreams! This film changed hearts everywhere by proving you don’t have to be big to make a big difference.

  • FLATTER

    • FLATTER is sweet, ego-boosting praise, but let’s be careful! Overshoot and compliment can become insincere. Still, a good “you look great” can go a long, long way.

  • DUCKLING

    • From battered duckling to graceful swan, DUCKLING symbolizes transformation and resilience. Fun fact: mallard ducklings bond fiercely with their mothers—proof nature is full of heart.

  • COLONEL

    • COLONEL? How do you say it? “Kernel,” of course! It’s a rank that’s heard in barracks and kitchens—both literal and culinary. Pronunciation has it both ways!

  • NAPOLEON

    • NAPOLEON the pig from “Animal Farm” isn't just historical—he’s a fictional embodiment of revolutionary zeal and iron rule. Literature’s most porcine autocrat!

  • PRINCESS

    • PRINCESS conjures ballgowns and crowns—classic royalty fantasy. Today, though, PRINCESS comes up in our favorite fairy-tale character lineup, just like the “Little Mermaid.”

  • CALF

    • CALF can mean a baby cow or the back of your leg—so versatile! Why does it hide an “l”? The silent “l” loves to play incognito in English. It’s like a shy guest at the pronunciation party.

  • PIGLET

    • PIGLET is the tiny, wide-eyed charmer from “Winnie the Pooh.” He’s proof you don’t have to be grand to be brave—sometimes small voices show the biggest hearts.

  • EMPEROR

    • EMPEROR sets the tone as majestic—but also a little vulnerable. Remember “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and the truth-tellers that set the record straight?

  • FAWN

    • FAWN isn’t just a baby deer—it’s a flirtatious compliment, like when someone “fawns over” your new haircut. It’s cute, soft, and slightly adoring.

  • GUSH

    • GUSH means effervescent praise—when excitement spills over like a fizzy soda! True story: we all love when enthusiasm erupts—it’s a sign something truly delights us.

Theme Hints

  1. SILENT "L"

    • What do terms with tricky pronunciations have in common—especially some with a sneaky silent letter tucked inside words like ‘calf’ and ‘colonial’?

  2. FICTIONAL PIGS

    • Think of porky friends from classic literature, animation, and cinema—names that oink, squeal, or hustle?

  3. LAY IT ON THICK

    • Think about compliments—some playful, some effusive, some sincere. What do people say when they “lay it on thick”?

  4. HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON FIGURES

    • Imagine beloved characters from classic fairy tales—ducks, sea creatures, royalty... Who tells tales that have enchanted readers for generations?

Answers Explanation

Click to reveal answers!

  1. SILENT "L"

    :CALF,CHALK,COLONEL,WOULD

    • Silent “l” is a quirky pronunciation feature in some English dialects. When we say “calf,” “chalk,” “colonel,” and “would,” that “l” character is just a looker—not a talker. How fun is that? These quirks remind us English loves to keep us guessing! 🗣️

  2. FICTIONAL PIGS

    :BABE,NAPOLEON,PIGLET,PORKY

    • Swine and storytelling go hand in hand! Napoelon from “Animal Farm” represents the stern revolutionary leader, Piglet is A.A. Milne’s timid yet loyal companion, Porky is the loudmouth from “Looney Tunes,” and Babe is the underdog who stole our hearts. Each symbolizes a different aspect of porcine charm—from heroic wit to comedic bravado! 🐽

  3. LAY IT ON THICK

    :FAWN,FLATTER,GUSH,PRAISE

    • This category celebrates the richness of showing appreciation—sometimes in measured doses, sometimes with abandon. “Fawn” leans flirtatiously coy, “flatter” is the classic compliment, “gush” overflows with enthusiasm, and “praise” embodies formal or heartfelt recognition. Think of it as the full spectrum of saying something nice!

  4. HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON FIGURES

    :DUCKLING,EMPEROR,MERMAID,PRINCESS

    • Hans Christian Andersen enchanted countless childhoods with his whimsical, often bittersweet tales. From the abused duckling who becomes a graceful swan in “The Ugly Duckling,” to “The Emperor’s New Clothes” where vanity is exposed, and “The Little Mermaid” who trades her voice for love, these characters are straight out of storybooks. Andersen’s storytelling mastery reminds us that even the most unlikely heroes can shine.

Wow—what a ride! Today's Connections had me spinning from fairy-tale enchantment to pig-themed nostalgia, with a dash of pronunciation oddities to keep us humble. The “SILENT ‘L’” group was a sneaky reminder that the English language loves to mess with us, while “FAWN,” “FLATTER,” “GUSH,” and “PRAISE” made me smile—because sometimes, life calls for a little extra heart. Thanks for solving along! 🎉