NYT Mini Crossword: It sells, in an old maxim

Answer

SEX

Letters: 3

Appeared: Oct 8, 2025

📢 Complete Explanation

SEX completes the famous advertising maxim "sex sells" - a controversial but long-standing principle in marketing that suggests sexual or provocative imagery and themes effectively capture attention and drive consumer behavior.

The Complete Maxim

"Sex sells" is one of the most recognizable phrases in advertising history, asserting that content featuring sexual themes, attractive people, or provocative situations tends to attract more attention and be more persuasive in marketing contexts.

Why This Clue Works

This clue tests cultural knowledge of famous advertising aphorisms. The NYT Mini often includes well-known sayings, maxims, and cultural references that educated readers would recognize. "Sex sells" is arguably the most famous advertising maxim ever coined.

📊 Historical & Marketing Context

Origins & Evolution

• Early 1900s: First uses in print advertising
• 1960s: Sexual revolution in advertising
• 1980s-90s: Peak of overt sexual marketing
• 2000s-present: More nuanced and inclusive approaches

Psychological Basis

• Grabs attention through evolutionary triggers
• Creates emotional associations with products
• Taps into basic human motivations
• Increases memorability of advertisements

🤔 Why Other Words Don't Fit

LOVE (4 letters)

"Love sells" isn't a recognized maxim, though love is used in marketing. Too long anyway.

HYPE (4 letters)

"Hype sells" could be argued but isn't the famous maxim referenced. Exceeds 3 letters.

ADS (3 letters)

"Ads sell" is circular reasoning - it's what ads do, not a maxim about what sells.

FUN (3 letters)

"Fun sells" might be true but isn't the specific, famous maxim being referenced.

🎯 Modern Applications & Criticism

Contemporary Usage

Still used in fashion, fragrance, automotive, and lifestyle advertising, though often more subtly than in previous decades.

Cultural Criticism

Criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, objectification, and for being potentially manipulative.

Digital Evolution

Social media influencers and content creators often employ similar principles in brand partnerships and content marketing.

NYT Mini Crossword: It sells, in an old maxim

📢 Complete Explanation

The Complete Maxim

Why This Clue Works

📊 Historical & Marketing Context

Origins & Evolution

Psychological Basis

🤔 Why Other Words Don't Fit

LOVE (4 letters)

HYPE (4 letters)

ADS (3 letters)

FUN (3 letters)

🎯 Modern Applications & Criticism

Contemporary Usage

Cultural Criticism

Digital Evolution

💡 Related Marketing Maxims

Classic Advertising

Business Principles

NYT Mini Puzzle Crossword

Browse by Month 2005

Today NYT Clues & Answers

October

September

May

April

March

Browse Words By Starting Letter