Ballpoints in a pocket protector - LA Times Mini Crossword

Stuck on the 4-letter answer to the 'Ballpoints in a pocket protector' clue in today’s LA Times The Mini Crossword Puzzle? Don’t worry, Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you’re just looking for the answer or want to understand why it’s correct and improve your crossword-solving skills, keep reading.

Ballpoints in a pocket protector

Friday, Aug 29, 2025

The answer is BICS.

The clue “Ballpoints in a pocket protector” is asking for a brand name that’s commonly associated with inexpensive, reliable ballpoint pens. The answer, BICS, refers to the ubiquitous pens often carried in a pocket protector by students, engineers, or office workers. Crossword solvers need to notice that the clue hints at both quantity (plural “ballpoints”) and brand identity, rather than a generic word like “pens.” This type of clue relies on cultural familiarity and abbreviation conventions, which makes it slightly trickier for solvers outside the U.S. or those who haven’t encountered BIC pens in that context. Spotting the plural and thinking brand-first is key.

Today’s LA Times Mini Highlights

Today’s Friday LA Times Mini Crossword is a fun mix of pop culture, brands, and everyday terms. Some clues are very straightforward, like BELLA or TESLA, while others, like ELLAS or BICS, require a bit more thought or knowledge of proper names and abbreviations. There’s a nice balance between easy entries and a few trickier ones that make you pause, keeping the solving experience satisfying without being frustrating.

Today's Tricky Clues

• Five Pillars faith
• Purse fastener

About LA Times Mini Crossword

The LA Times Mini Crossword is a daily, bite-sized puzzle from the Los Angeles Times. Designed for quick solving, it delivers the fun of a full crossword in a compact format that takes just a few minutes to complete.

Key Features

• Daily puzzles: A new mini crossword is released every day.
• Free to play: No subscription required—accessible directly on the LA Times website.
• Mobile-friendly: Optimized for quick, on-the-go solving.
• Puzzle archive: Solvers can access past minis for extra practice.

How It Compares

• Similar in style and size to the New York Times Mini Crossword, but created separately.
• Remains free to play, unlike the NYT Mini, which now sits behind a paywall.

Why Play?

The LA Times Mini is perfect for anyone looking for:

• A fast daily challenge.
• A fun brain warm-up.
• Crossword-style gameplay that’s approachable for beginners and still satisfying for seasoned solvers.