Like the phrase "pen gwyn" ("white head"), from which the penguin gets its name
WELSH
The answer is WELSH because "pen gwyn" is a phrase in the Welsh language, where "pen" means "head" and "gwyn" means "white." This connection explains the etymology of the word "penguin," aligning with the clue’s reference to the origin of the term.
Across
The answer "SKEW" fits because to skew data means to distort or misrepresent it, often altering its interpretation or biasing results. The word "distort" directly aligns with this definition, commonly used in statistical or analytical contexts where information is inaccurately presented.
5LOVE????✨ See Why
The clue “Give a [heart emoji] on a text thread” refers to the digital action of reacting to a message with a heart emoji, commonly interpreted as expressing affection or love. In this context, the heart emoji directly symbolizes "LOVE," making it the perfect concise answer.
6Like a post that's been shared a bajillion timesVIRAL?????✨ See Why
The term "VIRAL" is used to describe content that spreads rapidly across the internet, much like how a virus spreads. A post shared a "bajillion times" fits this description, as it implies widespread popularity and rapid sharing, making "VIRAL" the perfect answer.
7Signs of things to comeOMENS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Signs of things to come" refers to events or symbols interpreted as indicators of future occurrences. "OMENS" perfectly fits, as it means phenomena or signs believed to predict future outcomes, often carrying mystical or symbolic significance. It aligns directly with the definition of the clue.
8Dog walker's restraintLEASH?????✨ See Why
The term "Dog walker's restraint" describes an object used by dog walkers to control or guide a dog during a walk. A "LEASH" is a strap or cord specifically designed for this purpose, preventing the dog from wandering or running off, making it the perfect solution.
Down
1Snail's trailSLIME?????✨ See Why
The clue "Snail's trail" refers to the slick, shiny substance left behind as snails move. This distinctive trail is made of mucus, commonly described as SLIME. The clue is straightforward and directly connects the trail to the term "slime."
2Home to kimchi and Kim Jong UnKOREA?????✨ See Why
The answer is KOREA because kimchi is a traditional Korean dish, and Kim Jong Un is the leader of North Korea. The clue points to Korea as the peninsula where both North and South Korea are located, home to these cultural and political references.
3Bob ___ (restaurant chain)EVANS?????✨ See Why
The answer "EVANS" refers to "Bob Evans," a well-known American restaurant chain specializing in homestyle comfort food. Founded by Bob Evans in 1948, the chain is famous for its hearty meals, breakfast dishes, and farm-inspired atmosphere, making "EVANS" the fitting completion of the clue.
4Like the phrase "pen gwyn" ("white head"), from which the penguin gets its nameWELSH?????✨ See Why
The answer is WELSH because "pen gwyn" is a phrase in the Welsh language, where "pen" means "head" and "gwyn" means "white." This connection explains the etymology of the word "penguin," aligning with the clue’s reference to the origin of the term.
6Loudness dial: Abbr.VOL???✨ See Why
The solution "VOL" is short for "volume," a common term for loudness adjustment on devices. The clue specifies "Abbr.," indicating the answer is an abbreviation. "Vol" appears on audio equipment to represent the setting for controlling sound loudness. This matches the 'loudness dial' reference perfectly.
Solving today’s NYT Mini Puzzle and stuck on the 5-letter answer to the Like the phrase "pen gwyn" ("white head"), from which the penguin gets its name 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.
Like the phrase "pen gwyn" ("white head"), from which the penguin gets its name Answer Explained
The answer is WELSH.
“WELSH” here points to an interesting bit of linguistic history. The word “penguin” is often traced back to the Welsh phrase “pen gwyn,” which literally means “white head.” Early explorers are thought to have used it to describe seabirds with noticeable white markings. While modern penguins don’t quite match that description perfectly, the name stuck and evolved in English over time. It’s a great example of how languages borrow and transform words through exploration and cultural contact. So this clue isn’t just about geography, it’s a small window into how naming, observation, and language intertwine across history.
Now that you've cracked the 4D Like the phrase "pen gwyn" ("white head"), from which the penguin gets its name 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
I just finished today’s Friday Mini by Sam Ezersky, and honestly… I’m a little surprised at how fast it went. Coming from Sam, whose puzzles (and especially his Spelling Bee work) can be pretty devious, I was expecting more resistance, but this one felt unusually smooth. “LOVE” and “VIRAL” dropped in instantly for me, and before I knew it, I had the whole grid filled. The only moment that made me pause was “WELSH,” but that one ended up being the most interesting, tied to the phrase “pen gwyn” meaning “white head,” which is where “penguin” gets its name. Nice little bit of trivia tucked into an otherwise speedy solve. Overall, one of those blink-and-you’re-done Minis, but still satisfying.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
About NYT The Mini
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.
Daily Availability
Puzzles are accessible the evening before the publish date. Weekday and Saturday puzzles: 10 p.m. EST the previous day. Sunday puzzles: 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
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.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Arrow keys: Change direction within the same square, move in the direction of the arrow, jump back to the first blank in the word, or jump to the next clue.
Spacebar: Clear the current square, advance, or toggle between Across and Down.
Backspace (Delete on Macs): Remove words or a letter from a word.
Tab key: Jump to the next clue.
Shift + Tab keys: Jump to the previous clue.
Escape: Enter Rebus mode.
Pen and Pencil Modes. Switch between pen and pencil modes by selecting the respective icon. Letters in pen mode are black; in pencil mode, gray.
Letter Colors
Black: Default pen mode entries. Gray: Pencil mode entries. Blue: Confirmed letters with Check. Mini Timer
Time your solving with the timer displayed above the puzzle. Pause/resume using the respective buttons. The timer restarts if the entire puzzle is cleared. Option to hide the timer in Puzzle settings.
In-game Help
Reveal: Unveil correct letters for a square, answer, or the entire puzzle.
Check: Verify correctness.
The answers you get using help are marked with a red triangle in the upper right-hand corner of the box while those confirmed with check become blue.
Leaderboards
It’s an additional social resource provided by NYT. You can add friends (up to 100 invitees) to track daily completion and compete.