This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 15, 2026 (22 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
G _ _
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About the answer
GAY as a word: An English surname transferred from the nickname, originally a nickname for a cheerful or lively person; A unisex given name from English.
GAY has been an answer 8 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 1, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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