Curious about the January 21 Strands puzzle from The New York Times? Today’s challenge takes you on a nostalgic trip through a lively collection of words tied to a bygone era. Packed with clever connections and a retro flair, it’s a playful throwback that’s sure to spark some smiles.
Let’s unravel today’s hints and answers to see how this puzzle captures the charm of dated slang in a uniquely satisfying way.
Strands hint and theme for January 21
Today’s New York Times Strands puzzle is themed around the phrase “You don’t say…”
This hint ties into the puzzle’s playful exploration of words and phrases related to popular expressions of the past. The additional clue, “Totally bodacious,” further sets the tone for a nostalgic dive into retro slang.
The puzzle lays out a 6X8 grid of letters and challenges players to uncover eight theme words. Each word connects to the overarching theme, and players must solve the puzzle by identifying the “spangram,” a term or phrase that encapsulates the theme and links multiple sides of the board.
Today’s spangram is “DATED SLANG,” perfectly encapsulating the puzzle’s nostalgic focus.
What are the Strands answers for today, January 21?
The eight theme words in today’s puzzle are:
- PHAT
- BOSS
- CHERRY
- TUBULAR
- DATED
- SLANG
- FLASH
- RADICAL
- MAJOR
These words reflect colloquial expressions popular in earlier decades, capturing the playful nature of retro language.
Each word in today’s grid represents a slang term, often associated with specific cultural eras or movements. For instance, PHAT and RADICAL were staples of 1980s and 1990s pop culture, while CHERRY might have been less widely recognized. The puzzle’s challenge lies in identifying these expressions, many of which have faded from contemporary usage.
If you struggled with the puzzle, remember that utilizing hints can be a helpful strategy. By finding at least three valid non-theme words, you unlock the Hint button, which highlights part of a theme word on the grid.
