NYT Mini October 11, 2025: 13A - Drunkards

Answer: SOTS

4 letters

Clue Breakdown

"Sots" is time-tested crossword slang for habitual drunkards. Even though the term feels old-fashioned, constructors rely on it because the plural SOTS delivers a clean mix of common letters that intersect easily with other entries.

When you see a plural clue about heavy drinkers in a Mini, SOTS should leap to mind. Alternatives like "lushes" or "drunks" may appear in larger grids, but the four-letter pattern and crossword history make SOTS the puzzle's go-to answer.

Why SOTS Works

Matches the four-letter enumeration requested by the grid.
Carries a long legacy in crossword lexicons dating back decades.
Shares friendly letters with crossings such as ICY, DINED, and CANNES.

Word Origins

The word "sot" traces back to Middle English, originally meaning a foolish person before shifting toward drunkenness. Remembering this historical nuance can help when a clue nudges toward "inebriate" or "boozer" without explicitly saying so.

Solving Tips

Flag plural clues—crossword constructors frequently lean on SOTS, ETAS, EMOS, and other familiar endings.
Use the S and T as anchors when checking intersecting answers; they often provide easy confirmations.
Keep a mental archive of classic crossword slang; SOTS joins ARF, ALEE, and ELIDE as evergreen entries.

← Back to October 11, 2025 Puzzle

NYT Mini October 11, 2025: 13A - Drunkards

Answer: SOTS

Clue Breakdown

Why SOTS Works

Word Origins

Solving Tips

NYT Mini Puzzle Crossword

Browse by Month 2005

Today NYT Clues & Answers

October

September

May

April

March

Browse Words By Starting Letter