"Arnold Schwarzenegger Or Chris Christie, E.G., For Short" Crossword Clue
By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: Apr 25, 2025
Looking for the solution to the "Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short" crossword clue from the Apr 25, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've identified the precise 5-letter answer you're seeking. To make your puzzle-solving journey more interactive, we've developed engaging features to assist you. Try our progressive letter reveal tool to uncover the solution gradually, or explore our carefully crafted hints—such as a helpful anagram, an alternative clue that shares the same answer, or a detailed definition to guide your thinking. Plus, we've made navigating other clues from the same puzzle easy, allowing you to solve multiple clues seamlessly. Ready to become a crossword master? Let's dive deeper into today's puzzle!
Crossword Answer:
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About This Clue
The April 25, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short" with the answer EXGOV. This clue references the political careers of two well-known figures who both served as state governors but are no longer in office. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the governor of California from 2003 to 2011, while Chris Christie served as the governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. The abbreviation "EXGOV" (ex-governor) succinctly describes their shared former political status.
Political Context
Arnold Schwarzenegger, better known initially as a bodybuilder and action movie star, entered politics as a Republican and served two terms as Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. His election came through an unusual recall election of the previous governor, Gray Davis. Despite his celebrity status and lack of political experience, Schwarzenegger managed to navigate California's complex political landscape during challenging economic times.
Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, served as the Republican Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. Initially popular for his direct communication style, Christie gained national attention during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. He later ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Both Schwarzenegger and Christie represent examples of high-profile Republican governors who sometimes broke with party orthodoxy and governed relatively blue states.
The term "EXGOV," while not commonly used in everyday conversation, is a convenient crossword abbreviation that succinctly captures the former gubernatorial status of both figures. Crossword puzzles often use such abbreviated forms to fit answers into the limited spaces available in the grid.
NYT Mini Crossword Tips
When facing clues that reference specific people in the NYT Mini Crossword, like "Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short," consider what these individuals have in common that could be expressed in a short answer. In this case, recognizing their shared political experience as governors is key to arriving at the abbreviation "EXGOV." The crossword frequently uses abbreviations, especially when indicated by phrases like "for short" or "briefly" in the clue. Political terms and abbreviations appear regularly in crosswords, so familiarity with common political positions (Rep., Sen., Gov., etc.) and their abbreviations can be particularly helpful. Also note that when multiple specific people are mentioned in a clue, the answer typically relates to what they have in common rather than to either individual specifically.
Related Crossword Answers
EXGOV
Clue: "Former state leader, briefly"
EXSEN
Clue: "Hillary Clinton or Al Gore, for short"
EXPREZ
Clue: "Obama or Bush, nowadays (abbr.)"
GOV
Clue: "State leader (abbr.)"
More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (April 25, 2025)
ACROSS
- 1. Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short
- 5. Sends a message
- 7. Pond scum
- 8. Teeny-tiny bit
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