This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 16, 2026 (16 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
How to read this clue
"Abbr." or "for short" means the answer is itself an abbreviation or a shortened form.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
A _ _ _
First and last letters
A _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
AAVE as a word: Initialism of African-American Vernacular English. [A variation of Modern English spoken predominantly by lower socioeconomic class individuals of African de....
AAVE has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 16, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Coming-out party? (1 Across)
- Finish (up) (11 Across)
- "Hello-o-o?" (15 Across)
- Scenario calling for self-reliance (17 Across)
- Summer flier (18 Across)
- Classic 1926 poem associated with the Harlem Renaissance (19 Across)
- Do some cleaning (20 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers