NYT Connections Hint - September 10, 2025

Hey puzzle pals! 🎉 Guess what time it is? It’s time for another round of Connections! I dove into today’s words and let me tell you, there were some surprises! Like when you bite into cake, expecting chocolate, but find out it’s vanilla. Did that ever happen to you? Honestly, this puzzle had me diving back to my favorite Eddie Murphy movies while putting on my thinking cap. Let’s unravel these words together!

Word Explanations

• DONKEY

  • Ah, DONKEY! Who could forget this hilarious and optimistic character from Shrek? Voiced by Eddie Murphy, he had the most remarkable way of turning daily struggles into comedic gold. 😊 Fun fact: Did you know the original idea for Donkey was to be a sidekick but ended up stealing the show?

• KONG

  • KONG is synonymous with strength and adventure, isn't it? Whether it's King Kong scaling a skyscraper or all those memes floating around, this word packs a punch. Plus, can we take a moment to appreciate that amazing cinematic history? 🏙️

• BAD

  • BAD—what a heavy word when paired with a sad face! But it’s also used playfully when we’re just making choices that aren’t the best. Like the time I ate a whole cake by myself...oops! 😅 Plus, anyone else remember the Michael Jackson song?

• COBRA

  • What a fascinating word! COBRA has that cool yet dangerous vibe—like a wild scene from an action movie! 🐍 Fun trivia: Did you know their venom can be powerful enough to kill an elephant? Talk about intimidating!

• BARREL

  • BARREL! This word brings back memories of childhood games and escaping pirates—yep, imagination level 100! 🎉 You can roll a barrel, dive into one in cartoons, or just see them around every corner of old shops. What a versatile word!

• RACE

  • RACE is about speed, baby! It gets my heart going just thinking about it. 🚀 I love the metaphor of racing through life, reminding us to enjoy the ride! What a rush! And did anyone else get into competitive video games while growing up?

• TUT

  • TUT! Such a delightful little sound, isn't it? Used often when disapproving of something. I can hear my mom saying it every time I didn’t clean my room! 😅 Fun fact: The name Tutankhamun means ‘Living Image of Amun,’ connecting us back to the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

• TSK

  • TSK is that sharp sound that expresses disappointment, confusion, or frustration. You’ve probably let it slip when something went wrong. It’s funny how such a small sound carries so much weight! 😮

• FLY

  • FLY brings up the idea of freedom! Imagine soaring high above the clouds, feeling the wind in your hair. Plus, there’s a fun association with the classic children’s saying about flies in a soup, yikes! ☁️ Just don’t forget to close the window!

• FOLEY

  • FOLEY—what a unique term! This reminds me of the art of creating sound effects for films. Those crunching leaves and eerie whispers? All thanks to a Foley artist! 🎬 It’s fascinating how sound changes our whole viewing experience!

• TUT TUT

  • TUT TUT! It carries a whimsical touch but with a hint of reprimand, especially when someone has messed up. I picture myself shaking my head while saying this, making it quite the playful retort! 😊

• CAKE

  • CAKE—a universal delight that I can’t resist! 🎂 It’s perfect for celebrating, comforting, or just indulging in a guilty pleasure. Fun fact: Did you know the largest cake ever made weighed over 6,000 pounds? That’s a party fit for a king!

• DOLITTLE

  • DOLITTLE always brings me warmth and laughter—bringing animals to life with charming dialogue! Such a delightful escape into a world filled with talking creatures. 🐶 Plus, I love how it sneaks in lessons about understanding and empathy!

• SHAME

  • SHAME is such a heavy word, right? It often feels so overwhelming, especially in tricky situations. It’s tough to shake off sometimes! But think about it—light can come through once we embrace our layers. 🌈

• ZIP

  • ZIP is an energetic word that calls to mind all things fast! 🚀 I can hear it flying by just like the movement it describes—what a great term for life’s little races and jaunts! It just has that zesty ring to it!

• AKEEM

  • AKEEM brings a smile to my face every time! From Coming to America, this prince is all about love, humor, and the adventures of finding true purpose. Did anyone else love the lavish scenes? 👑

Theme Hints

1. "YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER!"

   • Think about phrases that adults say when they're disappointed! Emoji of a finger wag would fit here. 😋

2. MOVE QUICKLY

   • Imagine a race track and everything zooming by! What words come to mind? 🏎️💨

3. EDDIE MURPHY ROLES

   • These are iconic characters from the king of comedy! Or should I say, the king of something else. 🤣

4. KING ___

   • Think of what can follow 'King' to stand tall with pride. 🏰

Answers Explanation

Today was a blast, wasn’t it? I loved seeing how all these words came together. A bit of Eddie Murphy nostalgia mixed with classic sayings. Can't wait for tomorrow's puzzle! Until next time, keep those brain gears turning! 🧠✨