Sunday, October 13 (Connections #490)

A new day brings with it more of The New York Times Connections. We’re here to give you some hints, some even more hints, and the straight up answers to October 13’s puzzle.

The New York Times has previously made puzzle games such as Wordle and, although it looks simpler in comparison, Connections can get quite confusing, especially with its peculiar use of unconventional word meanings.

Understanding Connections is simple: you are given 16 words and 4 chances to mess up. Your objective is to ‘connect‘ these 16 words by grouping them into groups of 4 based on similar word meanings and/or themes. What’s great about it is that it you can really just pick up and play right off the bat.

October 13’s word choices are interesting, to say the least. If you’re having trouble figuring out today’s puzzle, gradually scroll on down, and you’ll get basic tips, some more direct hints, and the solution to your conundrum.

Let’s get started. Here are the 16 words we’ll be working with today:

In Connections, each group of words is color coded, these being yellow, green, blue, and purple. Here are some hints for today:

• Yellow: Material all made of a specific protein.
• Green: Something loosely related to your favorite Looney Toon.
• Blue: A type of clothing.
• Purple: Includes a word that you can put ahead as a suffix to change the meaning.

If you’re still having trouble figuring out the answers, here are some more hints that can help you get closer to the solution for today:

• Additional Hint 1: The protein is responsible for forming the skin’s outer layer.
• Additional Hint 2: Think Road Runner!
• Additional Hint 3: All related to Pants.
• Additional Hint 4: Add the suffix to the end of one word and you get a type of music. Add it to another and you get a type of food.

Connections can get confusing. If you still haven’t figured it out, perhaps knowing the group names will help. Here they are:

• Made of Keratin
• Road Runner Cartoon Staples
• Kinds of Pants
• ___ Roll

If you still couldn’t figure it out, no worries. Here is the solution for today’s Connections puzzle.

• Made of Keratin: Claw, Hoof, Horn, Nail
• Road Runner Cartoon Staples: Anvil, Boulder, Coyote, TNT
• Kinds of Pants: Capri, Cargo, Hammer, Stirrup
• ___ Roll: California, Drum, Egg, Honor

The Road Runner one was probably the simplest of the bunch. We don’t usually get something like ‘roll‘ to add to the end of other words to form new ones. You may have confused Anvil and Hammer as well, seeing as they go hand in hand.

By far, one of the most confusing parts of today’s New York Times Connections puzzle was Hammer and Stirrup being pants. The first thing that comes to mind when these words are uttered isn’t necessarily clothes.

Regardless, that’s what makes Connections fun. It’s weird combinations of words make for a really engaging time especially when played with friends or family all trying to figure it out at the same time.

Today’s puzzle was a tricky one. Pat yourself on the back if you got it. Remember, there’s always tomorrow’s game to look out for, and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out October 12’s puzzle if you want to play through the archives.

Did you get today’s solution? Which group and words were the most confusing for you? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back tomorrow for more New York Times Connections.