Today's Strands clue is "Informally known as". Use the hints below to find the theme words and the spangram.
Ready to hunt for a few clever connections? Take your time and let the grid surprise you.
Theme nudge: What to look for
Look for familiar, playful nicknames people use instead of formal labels.
Hint 1: How many words to find
There are 8 theme words plus one spangram.
Hint 2: The spangram
The spangram has 7 letters, starts with C, and runs from one side of the board to the other.
Hint 3: Theme word lengths and first letters
- 6 letters, starts with B
- 5 letters, starts with C
- 4 letters, starts with C
- 5 letters, starts with G
- 5 letters, starts with H
- 4 letters, starts with P
- 7 letters, starts with R
- 5 letters, starts with R
Show the spangram
CRITTER
Show all theme words
BUDGIE, CHIMP, CROC, GATOR, HIPPO, PEKE, RATTLER, RHINO
About this puzzle
- Made by Tracy Bennett
- Edited by Tracy Bennett
Strands deep dive
More about today's puzzle. Everything in this section can include the answer.
The solved board
Gold squares are the spangram, green squares are theme words.
What the theme words mean
- BUDGIE: (informal) A budgerigar.
- CHIMP: (informal, often derogatory) To review each image on a digital camera after it is taken.
- CROC: A type of EVA foam slip-on clog-style shoe with an open heel, thick sole, rounded toe, retractable heel strap, and ve...
- GATOR: (colloquial) Alligator.
- HIPPO: (informal, derogatory) An overweight or obese person.
- PEKE: (informal) A Pekingese dog.
- RATTLER: (chiefly US, informal) A rattlesnake.
- RHINO: (colloquial) A rhinoceros.
Play today's Strands at The New York Times
More hints for September 5, 2026
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