This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (25 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
E _ _
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About the answer
ESE as a word: (US) dude, man. (Usually used vocatively); A language of Oro Province, Papua New Guinea.
ESE has been an answer 11 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 1, 2025.
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