COIFS is the answer because "coif" refers to a hairstyle or hair arrangement, often elaborate or styled with care. The clue "Fancy hairdos" points to this term, as it specifically implies decorative or styled hair arrangements, matching the plural "COIFS."
Across
The answer is CRASH because it is often used informally to describe quickly falling asleep, especially from exhaustion after a long or tiring day. This metaphor likens collapsing into sleep to a sudden, uncontrolled "crash." It's a fitting, idiomatic match to the clue.
61/16 of a poundOUNCE?????✨ See Why
The pound is a unit of weight, and it is divided into smaller units called ounces. Specifically, 1 pound equals 16 ounces. Therefore, 1/16 of a pound equals 1 ounce. This makes "OUNCE" the correct answer for this clue.
7Where chess, shampoo and the number zero were inventedINDIA?????✨ See Why
The answer is INDIA because all three—chess, shampoo, and the concept of the number zero—originate there. Chess evolved from the Indian game Chaturanga, "shampoo" comes from the Hindi word "chāmpo" (to massage), and zero was first conceptualized by Indian mathematician Aryabhata.
8UproarFUROR?????✨ See Why
The word "FUROR" is synonymous with "uproar," both referring to intense excitement, outrage, or commotion. This alignment in meaning makes FUROR a perfect solution for the clue, as it directly captures the idea of a noisy or passionate disturbance.
9Opposite of savedSPENT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Opposite of saved" refers to something no longer kept or preserved. In financial or resource terms, the opposite of saving is using up or expending. "Spent" fits perfectly, as it indicates money, energy, or resources that have already been used or consumed.
Down
1Fancy hairdosCOIFS?????✨ See Why
COIFS is the answer because "coif" refers to a hairstyle or hair arrangement, often elaborate or styled with care. The clue "Fancy hairdos" points to this term, as it specifically implies decorative or styled hair arrangements, matching the plural "COIFS."
2Period preceding a big eventRUNUP?????✨ See Why
The term "RUNUP" refers to the time leading up to or preceding a significant event. It aligns with the clue “Period preceding a big event” because it describes a build-up phase, such as preparations or anticipation, often used in contexts like elections, launches, or major occasions.
3Tennis great AgassiANDRE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Tennis great Agassi" refers to the legendary tennis player Andre Agassi. Known for his remarkable career, Agassi won eight Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. The answer "ANDRE" is his first name, matching the clue's reference to this iconic athlete.
4Descendant of a wealthy familySCION?????✨ See Why
The answer "SCION" perfectly fits the clue "Descendant of a wealthy family" as it refers to an heir or descendant, especially of a prominent or influential family. In its figurative sense, "scion" is used to describe someone born into privilege or affluence, aligning with the clue's description.
5HEART?????✨ See Why
The symbol for "like" on Instagram is a HEART because when users "like" a post, a heart icon fills in or appears on the post. The heart has become widely recognized as a visual representation of liking or showing appreciation on social media platforms.
Solving today’s NYT Mini Puzzle and stuck on the 5-letter answer to the Fancy hairdos clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.
Fancy hairdos Answer Explained
The answer is COIFS.
Here the trick is recognizing an older, somewhat formal word. A “coif” (pronounced “kwahf”) means a styled hairdo, especially one that’s elaborate or professionally done. You might see it in a salon review or period novel more often than in casual speech. The plural form, COIFS, fits the clue’s “fancy hairdos.” The spelling with the O-I vowel pairing can look odd, making it easy to misread. Some solvers might briefly think of “updos” or “buns,” but “fancy” points to sophistication — coiffed hair, as in “perfectly coifed news anchor,” locks immaculately arranged into shape.
Now that you've cracked the 1D Fancy hairdos clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry—we've got you covered. Explore more NYT Mini crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT Crossword, Connections, or Strands.
Today’s NYT Mini Highlights
Tuesday’s Mini by Joel Fagliano leans on vocabulary range and trivia more than trickery. There’s businesslike formality in one clue, linguistic and mathematical history in another, and a touch of style from the salon. The grid mixes everyday idioms with higher-register words that stretch beyond Monday ease, offering small “aha” moments without real stumbles. A solid midweek step-up: still smooth to solve, but varied enough, with touches of language, culture, measurement, and sports, to keep even a quick solve engaging.
NYT The Mini Crossword is a compact version of the New York Times Crossword puzzle. Usually 5 x 5, with larger grids on Saturdays, it offers mid-week equivalent difficulty clues with no progression over the week. It is accessible to anyone with or without a New York Times account. You can play it on nytimes.com/crosswords, The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android), and the Play tab of the New York Times News app. Games and All Access Subscribers can solve past Mini Crossword puzzles in the archive.
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How to Play - Features and Tips
Fill white squares with letters to form intersecting words or phrases by solving clues in Across and Down columns. Read our guide to NYT Mini Mastery to learn how to read the different types of clues. Successfully completed puzzle triggers music and a congratulatory message.
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