NYT Connections Hint - February 1, 2026

Hey there, puzzle lovers! 🌟 Another Connections session is here, and today’s challenge is a fun mix of music, shoes, and even some promo vibes. I love how the game creates little brain puzzles that turn everyday words into something engaging. Let’s dive in and see how these words connect!

Word Explanations

• SHARP

  • SHARP is normally used to describe a keen edge or a higher tone in music—like the sharp tone of a violin string. It can also refer to a raised area or an intelligent person. In music, 'sharp' refers to a note a semitone higher than natural, which gives a distinct flavor. So when we put it with instruments, it becomes a playful twist in the game, helping connect words to a musical theme.

• PITCH

  • A PITCH has many meanings—from the promotional angle of trying to sell an idea to the actual sound a musical instrument produces if it’s sharp or flat. It’s also used in sports (like a pitcher) and in events where you try to win someone over with a sales pitch. So in this game’s context, thinking about publicize adds another layer to the word's resonance.

• FLAT

  • FLAT usually refers to a smooth surface without elevation—like a flat tire or flat shoes. It’s the opposite of sharp. The game calls it a kind of shoe, possibly referencing a ballet flat, which is a low-heeled, closed shoe that’s very easy to walk in. In music, it means a note slightly lower in pitch, so it has quite a few meanings and contexts!

• HEATER

  • A HEATER is typically a device that provides warmth or heat—like a space heater or a car heater. But in slang, it can also refer to something that heats up the crowd, or, in this context, a song that’s energetic and catchy enough to make you move. So it’s more about big energy and vibe, fitting right in with anthem-like tracks.

• CLOG

  • CLOG is a type of shoe, often made of wood or heavy material, typically designed for indoor use or for walking on rough floors. It’s usually closed at the toe and heel and can be quite comfortable to wear. Traditional wooden clogs are a staple in folk outfits, and different regions have created varied styles. Even clogs are part of musical culture—think traditional dances!

• JAM

  • JAM often refers to both sweet fruit preserve and musical improvisation. In music, a jam session is all about spontaneous creativity that brings musicians together. In this puzzle context, JAM is part of the anthem category, hinting at upbeat, catchy tracks that you’d expect to hear everywhere. Think summer vibes and dance floors!

• BOOST

  • BOOST means to make something stronger or higher—like giving a boost to morale or a social media post to gain more reach. It could be seen as the fuel behind a promotion or a hype campaign. In fact, if you were promoting something—a product, a book, or even an event—boosting it could be the key to spreading the word and getting attention.

• GLUTE

  • GLUTE (with a ‘G’ added) transforms into GLUTE, which means FLUTE—a woodwind instrument. The game cleverly uses GLUTE as a musical instrument term when you add the starting letter. It's kind of cute to think about how adding or changing letters can change meanings completely.

• PLUG

  • PLUG has many meanings—like plugging something into an outlet or plugging a product to get the word out there. But it also means to promote or endorse a product or service. We’re choosing the context where PLUG is part of a marketing strategy. Think about how plugging something means you’re giving it a little push to get noticed!

• WEDGE

  • WEDGE, as a shoe, refers to a heel that gradually thickens towards the sole, providing height and stability. A WEDGE is also a triangular shape used for stopping doors or splitting wood. In shoes, wedge sandals or wedge boots are quite popular in fashion because you can get height while staying stable. So when you put WEDGE on your feet, you feel both stylish and grounded!

• HYPE

  • HYPE is basically excited promotion—like when people get overly enthusiastic about something to get it popular or trending. You might see HYPE in marketing campaigns that use a lot of buzzwords. It’s that fun feeling of building buzz around a product, song, or event so that people can’t wait to check it out.

• BOP

  • BOP is a slang term for a catchy song that you can’t help but dance to—something that stays in your head for a while. In everyday use, 'to bop' means to move to music, and BOP fits the theme of upbeat tracks. It’s a simple, fun way to say a song has that energy that makes you move!

• THORN

  • THORN is generally a sharp, pointed protrusion that grows on plants, but in this puzzle, when you start with 'H', it becomes HORN—a brass instrument or a trumpet-like device. The game wants you to connect THORN with HORN. It's fascinating how small changes can lead to such different concepts!

• BANGER

  • BANGER refers to a song that is so hype and strong that it feels like a bang—like that amazing track that everyone is playing at parties. Think of top hits that dominate the airwaves, and you’ll understand why BANGER fits right into the anthem category. Some say BANGER means an ultimate party anthem!

• MORGAN

  • MORGAN actually turns into ORGAN when you add 'O'—a big, beautiful instrument often used in churches and grand halls. MORGAN is like a fun twist that asks you to think about instruments that can be linked with an added starting letter. We love how unexpected transforms help push our brains in new directions.

• MULE

  • MULE is a type of shoe that's backless, similar to a slipper, which is great if you want something easy to slip on and off. It looks like a cross between a sandal and a shoe. Interestingly, it's also the name of a cocktail—the classic gin buck! In shoes, it’s all about comfort and style.

Theme Hints

1. PUBLICIZE

   • Think about words that mean sharing, promoting, or making something popular.

2. KINDS OF SHOES

   • Think about footwear types you might put on for different occasions.

3. ANTHEM

   • Think of strong, upbeat songs that everyone knows.

4. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

   • Think about instrument names that start with the same letters when you add something to the beginning.

Answers Explanation

That was a satisfying challenge today—like putting together a musical puzzle with shoes and marketing mixed in! 📚🎤 I love how the game made me connect everyday words like FLAT (shoe) and BOP (song) in totally different ways. My favorite category was probably the Publicize one because BOOST, HYPE, PITCH, and PLUG are such vibrant words for promotion! If you stumbled too, don’t worry—tomorrow will bring new twists. Stay curious, and see you next time! ✨ #Connections #WordPuzzles