Worn And Shabby (5) Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: May 02, 2025

Stuck on the "Worn and shabby (5)" crossword clue from the May 02, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've uncovered the exact 5-letter solution you're searching for. If you prefer a more engaging solving approach, explore our interactive features designed to enhance your crossword experience. You can gradually reveal the answer using our letter-by-letter disclosure tool, or browse our thoughtfully developed hints—including synonym explanations, alternative clues sharing the same answer, and comprehensive definitions to stimulate your problem-solving process. We've also simplified navigation to other clues from this puzzle. Ready to solve this descriptive adjective clue? Let's explore the answer together!

Crossword Answer:

NEW YORK TIMES MINI, MAY / 02 / 2025
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About This Clue

The May 2, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Worn and shabby (5)" with the answer TATTY. This is a straightforward descriptive clue that asks for a synonym for items or materials that appear worn-out or in poor condition. The number (5) in the clue simply indicates that the answer contains five letters. Unlike some crossword clues that involve wordplay or puns, this clue directly requests a term that means essentially the same thing as the words in the clue itself.

Context for "Tatty"

The word "tatty" originated in the early 18th century and likely comes from the word "tatter," which refers to a torn piece of cloth or rag. It's primarily used in British English, though it has become more familiar in American English through British literature, television, and film. "Tatty" describes things that are shabby, worn-out, or in poor condition due to age or wear. It's commonly applied to clothing ("a tatty old sweater"), furnishings ("tatty armchairs"), books ("tatty paperbacks"), or even buildings and locations ("a tatty seaside resort"). The term carries connotations of items that were once nicer but have declined in appearance and quality over time through use or neglect. In contemporary usage, "tatty" can sometimes have a slightly affectionate quality when describing something old but cherished, similar to the way people might fondly describe a well-worn but beloved item as "shabby" or "well-loved." For example, someone might refer to their "tatty old teddy bear" with a sense of nostalgia and attachment. Synonyms for "tatty" include shabby, worn, threadbare, ragged, scruffy, dilapidated, and frayed. In the context of this crossword, "tatty" perfectly matches the clue "worn and shabby" as it encompasses both the physical wear and the resulting poor appearance.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When solving straightforward descriptive clues like "Worn and shabby (5)" in the NYT Mini Crossword, focus on finding synonyms that match the exact letter count. In this case, the clue is seeking a 5-letter word that means essentially the same thing as "worn and shabby." For descriptive adjective clues, it helps to think about different contexts where similar terms might be used. Consider clothes, furniture, buildings, books, and other items that might be described with these qualities, as this can help trigger associated vocabulary. Be aware that the NYT Mini Crossword frequently includes British English terms like "tatty," especially when they've become somewhat familiar through cultural exchange. Words that might be more common in British English can still appear in American puzzles, particularly if they've crossed over into American usage or are recognizable to American solvers. When a clue includes a number in parentheses, as in "Worn and shabby (5)," this typically indicates the number of letters in the answer. This convention is more common in British-style cryptic crosswords but occasionally appears in American-style puzzles as well. The number helps confirm the length of the answer you're looking for. Remember that short, common adjectives are frequently used in Mini Crosswords due to the constraints of the 5×5 grid. Familiar descriptive terms like "tatty," "ratty," or "seedy" are good candidates for this type of clue.

Related Crossword Answers

TATTY

Clue: "Shabby or dilapidated"

RATTY

Clue: "In poor condition"

SEEDY

Clue: "Run-down or disreputable"

FRAYED

Clue: "Showing wear at the edges"

More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (May 2, 2025)

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