What "Salsa" Literally Means Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: Apr 27, 2025

Looking to resolve the "What 'salsa' literally means" crossword clue from the April 27, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've tracked down the precise 5-letter answer you're seeking. To elevate your puzzle-solving experience, we've incorporated interactive elements that make the process more engaging. Our letter-by-letter reveal tool lets you discover the solution gradually, while our thoughtfully curated resources—including word pattern clues, alternative clues with identical answers, or comprehensive explanations—offer guidance for your solving approach. We've also simplified navigation between related clues from the same puzzle, enabling you to smoothly tackle multiple challenges. Ready to solve this culinary etymology clue? Let's uncover the answer together!

Crossword Answer:

NEW YORK TIMES MINI, APRIL / 27 / 2025
1
2
3
4
5

You can click on the ? tiles to reveal letter by letter before uncovering the full solution.

About This Clue

The April 27, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "What 'salsa' literally means" with the answer SAUCE. This clue refers to the etymology of the word "salsa," which comes directly from Spanish. In Spanish, "salsa" literally translates to "sauce" in English. The term "salsa" has been adopted into English primarily to refer to the spicy tomato-based condiment from Latin American cuisine, but in its original language, it has a broader meaning encompassing various types of sauces or condiments. This linguistic connection makes SAUCE the perfect answer to this etymology-focused crossword clue.

Culinary and Linguistic Context

The word "salsa" has an interesting linguistic journey. It derives from the Latin word "salsus," meaning "salted" or "salty," which reflects the traditional use of salt in preserving and flavoring food. In Spanish-speaking countries, "salsa" serves as a general term for any sauce or condiment that accompanies a dish, similar to how "sauce" functions in English. What English speakers commonly identify as "salsa"—a mixture of tomatoes, onions, chilies, and spices—would be more specifically referred to as "salsa roja" (red sauce) or "salsa fresca" (fresh sauce) in Spanish. The word entered English vocabulary in the 1960s as Mexican and Latin American cuisines gained popularity in the United States. The term has since expanded beyond culinary contexts; "salsa" also refers to a genre of Latin dance music and the dance style itself, though these uses developed separately from but parallel to the food meaning. This rich etymological background explains why the literal translation "SAUCE" is the answer to this crossword clue.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When tackling etymology clues like "What 'salsa' literally means" in the NYT Mini Crossword, consider the original language of the word in question. The five-letter constraint narrows possibilities considerably—in this case, eliminating longer translations or explanations. Foreign language terms commonly appear in crosswords, especially those that have been adopted into English or are part of popular culture. When encountering clues about word origins or translations, think about languages that have significantly influenced English vocabulary, such as Latin, Greek, French, or Spanish. For this particular clue, knowing that "salsa" is a Spanish word guides you toward looking for its direct English translation. The New York Times Mini Crossword frequently includes clues about word meanings and origins, reflecting both linguistic interest and cultural knowledge. These types of clues reward solvers who are attentive to the connections between languages and the historical development of words we use every day.

Related Crossword Answers

SAUCE

Clue: "Condiment for pasta"

SALSA

Clue: "Spicy tomato condiment"

GRAVY

Clue: "Savory sauce made from meat juices"

LECHE

Clue: "Spanish word for 'milk'"

More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (April 27, 2025)

ACROSS

DOWN