NYT Connections Hint - June 29, 2025

Hey folks! 🌦️ Today’s Connections was a wild ride through puddles, ice cream, and some funky dance moves! I mean, who doesn’t love the feeling after a good rain? It’s like nature just shakes off the dust and shows off its vibrant side! I got a little carried away thinking about all the fun I’ve had with these words. I can’t wait to dive in and share my thoughts with you!

Word Explanations

• EARTHWORM

  • Earthworms are those mighty little creatures that come out to play after a rainstorm. They aerate our soil, making it lovely and nutritious for plants. You’ve likely seen them wriggling across sidewalks as they're like nature's plow! Fun fact: they can regenerate missing segments of their bodies! Pretty neat, huh?

• FLOAT

  • When I think of a float, I imagine sipping on a creamy soda with ice cream perched on top. Not only a drink but a delicious treat! Did you know that the first floats were made in the early 1800s? Ice cream and root beer—truly a match made in heaven!

• MUSHROOM

  • Mushrooms can pop up like little umbrellas when it rains! I still remember my first mushroom foraging adventure—such a mix of joy and uncertainty. Plus, they’re a fungi! Get it? Fungi versus fun guy? 😉 Oh, and they play a huge role in nature by decomposing organic matter!

• MOONWALK

  • The moonwalk is a timeless dance move that makes you look like you’re gliding backward! When I first learned it, I felt like a superstar on the dance floor. It was Michael Jackson who really brought this move into the limelight, and it’s still mesmerizing to watch!

• STARTLE

  • Startling is what happens when you’re in deep thought and BOOM—a noise makes you jump! It's a gut reaction, like when your friend suddenly yells 'surprise!' at you. I sometimes find myself startle-laughing—combining a jump and giggle in one awkward moment!

• PUDDLE

  • Puddles are basically nature’s mini swimming pools after it rains! Every step through a puddle is like a making a delightful splash. I can’t help but jump through them sometimes! It evokes childhood memories of stomping around, giggling over how wet I got.

• SUNDAE

  • Sundaes are the ultimate ice cream extravaganza! Piled high with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top, it’s a celebration in a bowl. I once had a sundae challenge with friends; it turned into a hilarious sugar-fueled race. Trust me, there were no winners—just lots of giggles!

• JUMP

  • Jumping is an innate response, whether you’re excited or scared. It’s liberating! I find myself jumping for joy when I see a friend after a long time. Or how about a surprise party deceleration? Yup, every moment where our feet leave the ground holds a bit of magic!

• SHAKE

  • Shakes are sippable crème de la crème smooth desserts! Smooth and satisfying, they make the perfect companion to a burger at dinner. I remember basking in the summer sun, sipping a chocolate shake, savoring every delicious moment. Isn’t it the most simple pleasures that stick with us?

• ROBOT

  • The Robot dance is a classic! It always makes me smile seeing people break it out at parties. It’s all about those rigid movements that mimic a robot—it’s just so delightful and fun! When I try it, I can’t help but laugh at myself but yeah, totally party-friendly!

• MUD

  • Mud is often seen as the icky stuff, but think about it—it’s also where all the magic happens! Without it, we’d miss out on so many plants' lives. I fondly remember making mud pies as a child. Honestly, messy but oh-so-fun adventures ahead!

• FLOSS

  • FLOSSing isn’t just about dental hygiene—it's a super fun dance move too! Every time I do it, I smile remembering the catchy song that made it popular. It gets everyone up and dancing, and it’s just a good time all around. Plus, who doesn’t want to show off those moves?

• BOLT

  • BOLTs capture that sudden feeling from something unexpected. They’re swift and can really get your heart racing! Whether it’s a cat leaping at a fluttering butterfly or a person just startled by a loud noise, it’s a moment that reminds us how alive we really are.

• SPLIT

  • Splitting something can create a delightful mix of flavors! Like when you have a sundae that’s split among friends, sharing is caring, right? It can also mean the glorious moment of cutting a delicious cake! Pure joy in food, my friends!

• CABBAGE PATCH

  • The Cabbage Patch dance is pure nostalgic joy! As a kid, I could not do it to save my life, but it was always a hit at parties. It’s like moving in a joyful way, letting go and feeling the rhythm. Let’s not forget the fun colors of actual cabbage too!

• JERK

  • When something catches you off guard, you jerk your body in response! It’s a fascinating human reflex. It’s like when you’re watching a tense movie and someone jumps out of nowhere—those reactions come from deep within, keeping us alert and aware of our surroundings!

Theme Hints

1. ICE CREAM TREATS

   • Think about your favorite cool desserts that can be enjoyed while chilling on a hot day.

2. FLINCH

   • What do you do when something surprises you? Think fast!

3. DANCE MOVES

   • Think of moves that are sure to impress on the dance floor.

4. SEEN IN THE AFTERMATH OF A RAINSTORM

   • These elements make it feel like nature just woke up and smiled.

Answers Explanation

Today’s puzzle was a delightful mix of rain and ice cream! 🌧️🍦 I loved the nostalgia of the dance moves, and oh boy, the after-rain wonders just hit home. Hope you all had as much fun playing as I did! Can't wait for tomorrow’s challenge.