NYT Connections Hint - July 11, 2025

Hey there, puzzle enthusiasts! 🎉 I dove headfirst into today's Connections challenge, and let me tell you, it was quite a ride! Some of these categories had me scratching my head—especially that section on silly adjectives. I mean, who doesn't love a good silly term, right? Anyway, let’s see how we fared today!

Word Explanations

• UBER

  • UBER not only showcases a convenient ride-sharing service but has also crept into our vocabulary as a verb! 'I’ll just Uber to the party'—it’s the New Age way of getting around! I can't help but feel like every time I say it, I’m part of a linguistic evolution. So cool!

• SWAN

  • SWAN sings melodies that resonate with tranquility. Whenever I hear a swan song, I can't help but think of farewell, emotional moments, and memories—like that last goodbye on a summer evening. Have you ever cried hearing a beautiful song? It's cathartic!

• LOVE

  • LOVE is what it’s all about, isn't it? From ballads that make us swoon to anthems that speak to our hearts, there’s a song for every kind of love. Honestly, I had this one stuck in my head all day! Anyone else?

• VIAL

  • A VIAL often holds something precious—a little potion, a secret, or perhaps a test tube of science experiments! Remember when we all had that science phase? This word makes me think of the mysteries we try to contain.

• GOOSE

  • GOOSE tends to evoke thoughts of both the bird and the fun antics of a silly person! 'Don’t be such a goose!'—I feel like that's a phrase my dad used to say. They’re just so comically awkward sometimes!

• GOOGLE

  • GOOGLE is more than just a search engine; it has become an integral part of our daily lives. Need to find anything? Just Google it! Sometimes I wonder if this sort of dependency is a good thing.. hmm... What do you think?

• FOWL

  • FOWL are basically the feathered ones—birds that often get something of a bad rap, but they're also entertaining! I sometimes imagine them strutting around like they own the place. Can you picture it? Quite the sight!

• ZOOM

  • ZOOM has acquired a whole new context these days. Apart from zooming through life or books, it’s become synonymous with virtual meetings. I never would have thought that I’d spend so much time staring at my screen—thank goodness for coffee runs!

• YAHOO

  • YAHOO is this joyous exclamation, yet it also refers to some silly folks. It reminds me of cheering, like ‘Yahoo! I did it!’—how fun would it be to live in a world where everyone brought that enthusiasm to everyday life?

• SIREN

  • SIREN delivers a call, luring sailors, or evokes the haunting melodies of myth. Songs that capture our souls and haunt our dreams—who doesn’t fantasize about becoming one in a creative way? I certainly do!

• MIEN

  • MIEN is all about demeanor, the vibe one gives off. Sometimes I meet people and think, 'Wow, their mien is so warm and inviting'—like a hug in person! It’s all about how energy travels through us, right?

• DODO

  • DODO, a word that reminds me of extinct species and playful innocence, symbolizes how humanity can't help but be silly. I mean, who wouldn't feel slightly foolish using it as an insult or a way to describe someone a bit lost in thought?

• PHOTOSHOP

  • PHOTOSHOP has turned into an action more than just a software! 'Did you see that picture? They totally photoshopped it!' It’s fun, and honestly, who hasn't at least played around with their photos a bit? Guilty as charged!

• FOLK

  • FOLK songs resonate with storytelling, rich with history. There’s something deeply beautiful about these tunes that connect generations. They’re like threads that weave us together, carrying wisdom and tales that never fade!

• GOOF

  • GOOF is like the ultimate comical turn—what we think about when we mess up! We've all had those moments when we goofed up and laughed it off. I cherish those times when humor suddenly saves the day. Have you had your fair share?

• OFFAL

  • OFFAL is a quirky word that refers to innards and bits of animals. So, it may not be everyone's favorite topic, but some enjoy cooking with it, while others turn their noses up. It makes me chuckle thinking about such divides in our eating habits!

Theme Hints

1. KINDS OF SONGS

   • Consider the melodies that tug at your heartstrings. What kinds of songs can you think of?

2. COMPANIES THAT HAVE BECOME VERBS

   • Think of tech giants and creative tools! What do you do when you need to conduct a quick search or edit a photo?

3. SILLY PERSON

   • Think about playful descriptors for someone who’s a little goofy. What fun terms can you come up with?

4. HOMOPHONES OF SYNONYMS FOR “DESPICABLE”

   • Think of words that sound like they should be bad but can be used in different contexts, like for cooking!

Answers Explanation

That was such a fun round of Connections! I love how a seemingly trivial game like this can remind us of the nuances of language and how playful it can be. Until next time, keep puzzling and stay curious! 🧩