NYT Connections Hint - May 19, 2025

Hello lovely word warriors! 🌟 Welcome to another exciting day of Connections! I swear today’s challenge had me scratching my head and grinning like a Cheshire cat at the same time. It’s these kinds of puzzles that make me reminisce—remember the school fundraising galas we used to attend? Or is it just my brain wandering again? Let’s dive into today’s words!

Word Explanations

• MELON

  • In the marine world, a 'melon' refers to the fatty, bulbous structure found in the heads of certain toothed whales, like dolphins. It helps them with echolocation, guiding them as effectively as a GPS in the ocean!

• BALL

  • A 'ball' can be both a round object used in games and a grand social gathering! It's where you can dance the night away while supporting a noble cause. Think ballroom gowns and tuxedos! 🎩

• CHANCE

  • When I think of 'chance,' my mind wanders to those vibrant green spaces on a Monopoly board! It’s about taking risks, rolling the dice, and hoping for just the right opportunity!

• BAWL

  • To 'bawl' means to cry out loudly, often in a dramatic fashion, but it also sounds like 'ball,' which is a part of the foot! Kind of funny how sound can weave such connections.

• SOUL

  • The word 'soul' refers not only to the deepest essence of a person but also sounds just like that part of your foot! The perfect wordplay to keep those brain gears turning! 🤔

• BLUBBER

  • Did you know 'blubber' is not just a fun word to say, but it also describes the thick layer of fat found on certain marine animals, keeping them warm in icy waters? Ingenious nature at its finest! 🐧

• FUNCTION

  • A 'function' refers to an organized event, especially one designed for a specific purpose, like raising money! It's so interesting how gatherings can turn into uplifting occasions.

• FLUKE

  • 'Fluke' has two meanings: first, it's a part of a whale's tail, and second, it can describe a fortunate happening! Fun to see how language wraps itself around meaning, isn’t it?

• UTILITY

  • 'Utility' refers to useful services or values, and it’s also a spot on the Monopoly board! These spaces can make or break your game, so choose wisely. 💰

• TOW

  • 'Tow' sounds like 'toe,' another part of the foot. To tow means to pull something, often a vehicle. Isn't it strange how words can sound the same but have completely different lives?

• AVENUE

  • 'Avenue' is more than just a road in your neighborhood; it's also a spot on the Monopoly board! It has this air of importance with its name, doesn’t it?

• BENEFIT

  • 'Benefit' simply means gaining something, but in this context, it’s tied to events where the aim is to raise funds! Such a marvelous reason to host a gathering.

• FLIPPER

  • 'Flipper' is a fun term for the limbs of sea creatures like seals and whales! Imagining these creatures gliding gracefully just warms my heart. 🦭

• RAILROAD

  • 'Railroad' in Monopoly is a prominent property that players fight to own! It's fascinating how the game mirrors our own transportation systems, isn't it?

• GALA

  • 'Gala' is where elegance and purpose meet, where people get dressed up for a cause, dancing the night away! Ah, the glamour! 🌼

• HEAL

  • 'Heal' sounds the same as 'heel'; it implies recovery or mending. It’s beautiful how language connects these words, intertwining physical and emotional journeys.

Theme Hints

1. HOMOPHONES OF PARTS OF THE FOOT

   • These words sound identical to parts of the anatomy, get ready for some wordplay!

2. FUNDRAISING EVENT

   • Think about nights filled with elegance and purpose, where people come together to support a cause.

3. SPACES ON A MONOPOLY BOARD

   • Picture a colorful board with properties, each having its own character. You'll want to nab the best spots!

4. FEATURES OF A TOOTHED WHALE

   • Think of marine life and what makes these creatures so fascinating, from their size to their striking features.

Answers Explanation

Today was a real puzzle adventure! I loved the fundraising event category—it just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside thinking about all those glamorous evenings! 😄 See you tomorrow for more Connections fun!