Like Some Minds, Martinis and Money — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 13, 2025)
When three wildly different nouns share a single adjective, seasoned solvers look for metaphorical language. The October 13, 2025 NYT Mini rewards this instinct with a playful five-letter answer.
6 Across
Like some minds, martinis and money
The adjective dirty unites mental mischief, cocktail orders, and laundered cash. The NYT Mini highlights how one word can shift meaning across contexts, and the grid's five open squares welcome this flexible vocabulary star.
Why DIRTY Works Perfectly
Multiple Shades of Meaning
- Dirty mind: describes thoughts that lean suggestive or naughty.
- Dirty martini: mixes olive brine with gin or vodka for a savory twist.
- Dirty money: references funds obtained through illicit channels.
Grid Confirmation
- The initial D intersects 1-Down (Butter _), locking in a firm consonant.
- R and T come from 2-Down and 4-Down respectively, each unique in the puzzle.
- Y intersects 6-Down (Accomplished), solving any residual doubt about the vowel placement.
Advanced Solving Insights
Flag Wordplay Triads
When a clue strings together three nouns with commas, expect a unifying descriptor. Testing each noun with candidate adjectives narrows the options fast.
Cross-Reference Clue Tone
The playful vibe hints at slang or informal language. DIRTY captures that tone without introducing obscure vocabulary.
Trust Word Tips Data
Word Tips emphasized the shared unclean connotation in its explanation. Pairing their hints with Mini puzzle structure results in instant confirmation.
Monitor Letter Economy
Reusing letters like D and R is efficient for tight grids. Constructors lean on familiar consonant clusters to keep crossings fair.
Word Studio
Synonyms
- Grimy
- Sullied
- Impure
- Shady
Trivia Bite
The earliest printed recipe for a dirty martini appears in the 1930s, but crossword grids have used the term for decades thanks to its evocative imagery and welcoming letters.
Letter Map
D-I-R-T-Y delivers a balanced consonant-vowel ratio (3 consonants, 2 vowels). The central R provides strong anchors for down answers, making the fill both interesting and solver friendly.