Talking About Your Ex on a First Date, e.g. — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 13, 2025)
Social savvy matters in crossword solving just as it does in conversation. This clue points to a common faux pas, and the October 13, 2025 NYT Mini expects solvers to recognize it instantly.
5 Across
Talking about your ex on a first date, e.g.
A no-no is an unwritten rule you are not supposed to break. Bringing up past relationships during brand-new romantic encounters is widely viewed as a conversational misstep, so the playful answer NONO fits the clue's etiquette angle perfectly.
Decoding the Clue
Etiquette Insight
- Modern dating advice warns against dwelling on former partners when building new connections.
- Crossword constructors love tapping into pop culture and social norms for quick entries.
- The hyphenated expression “no-no” compresses to NONO in the grid, matching four available squares.
Grid Mechanics
- Doubled letters are common in the Mini, especially when the clue references repetition (like ex talk).
- Cross letters verify the fill: N aligns with 1-Down, O with 2-Down, N with 3-Down, O with 4-Down.
- Word Tips reinforced the answer by offering an anagram hint from “NOON,” cementing the repeated vowel pattern.
Solving Strategy Takeaways
Watch for Social Clues
Mini crosswords frequently test awareness of everyday behavior. When a clue references etiquette, reach for idiomatic phrases like NONO or TABOO.
Handle Abbreviations
Although NONO is not an acronym, it mimics the compact style of shortened expressions. Always consider whether hyphenated phrases flatten into repeated letters.
Confirm With Crossings
Each letter in NONO is confirmed by distinct down entries: the second N is particularly secure thanks to the unique word NORSE at 2-Down.
Compare Synonyms
Alternatives like TABOO or DONT might surface, but matching length and crossing letters make NONO the only viable choice in this puzzle.
Conversation & Culture Notes
The clue taps into modern dating dynamics where staying present is key. Discussing bygone partners too soon can come across as unresolved or impolite. The NYT Mini excels at capturing these relatable moments, and Word Tips mirrored that cultural snapshot with hints that highlighted “proscription” and social boundaries. Recognizing the human behavior behind a clue can dramatically speed up your solving time.