Today’s NYT Strands Hints, Answer and Help for Feb. 18, #352- CNET

NYT Strands Puzzle: A "Ouch!" Themed Challenge

Introduction to the Puzzle
The NYT Strands puzzle is a thrilling and engaging word game that challenges players to find hidden words within a grid. The puzzle is designed around a specific theme, which for the day was "Ouch!" This theme suggests that the hidden words are related to things that cause pain or discomfort, such as insects, animals, or objects that sting or bite. The puzzle also features a unique element called a "spangram," a word that stretches from one side of the grid to the other, using every letter exactly once.

The Theme and Clues
The theme of the puzzle, "Ouch!", hints at words that are associated with pain or discomfort. One of the clues provided was "Lead singer for The Police," which is a reference to the musician Sting. This clue is particularly useful because it directly points to one of the theme words: "STINGERS," which is the spangram for the puzzle. Other clues and hidden words within the grid include "HORNET," "JELLYFISH," "SCORPION," "BUMBLEBEE," and "PLATYPUST." These words fit the "Ouch!" theme perfectly, as they are all names of creatures that can cause pain or discomfort.

The Spangram: "STINGERS"
The spangram for this puzzle is "STINGERS," a word that winds its way across and down the grid, starting from the letter "S" located three rows down in the farthest column to the right. This word is a key part of the puzzle, as it uses every single letter in the grid exactly once. Solving the spangram is a satisfying moment, as it not only reveals the last hidden word but also completes the entire puzzle.

Hints and Additional Words
To help players unlock the theme words, the puzzle provides additional hints and words that can be found within the grid. These words include "JELLY," "SELL," "CELL," "FISH," "SELF," "SELFISH," "GITS," "BITS," "NITS," "HORN," "BUMBLE," and "PLAT." Finding these words can be a fun and engaging part of the puzzle, as they often intersect with the theme words and help reveal the spangram. Every time a player finds three words of four letters or more, the game reveals one of the theme words, providing a helpful nudge in the right direction.

Surprising Connections
One of the most surprising aspects of the puzzle was the inclusion of the word "PLATYPUST," which is likely a reference to the platypus, a unique and often misunderstood creature. The platypus is one of the few venomous mammals, as males have a spur on their hind leg that delivers a painful sting. This connection was particularly unexpected, as it ties into the theme of "Ouch!" in a clever and creative way.

Conclusion
Overall, the NYT Strands puzzle is a delightful and challenging game that combines clever wordplay with a fun and engaging theme. The "Ouch!" theme is both clever and humorous, with hidden words that range from the obvious to the unexpected. The inclusion of the spangram adds an extra layer of complexity and satisfaction to the puzzle, making it a must-try for word game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or just looking for a fun and educational activity, the NYT Strands puzzle is an excellent choice.