This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 23, 2026 (13 Down). 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
A clue in quotation marks is something a person might say. Look for another way of saying it, or the reply it suggests.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
G _ _ _
First and last letters
G _ _ N
Show the answer
About the answer
GOON as a word: A thug; a usually muscular henchman with little intelligence; A fool; someone who is silly, stupid, awkward, or outlandish.
GOON has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 23, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- A little possessive, perhaps? (9 Down)
- Pocket money (10 Down)
- Momentous moments (11 Down)
- Bits in a byte, e.g. (12 Down)
- One who's on the defense, perhaps (15 Down)
- Digital applications? (21 Down)
- Longing look (22 Down)
- Rigi of Switzerland, e.g. (24 Down)
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