Today's Strands clue is "Idle chatter". Use the hints below to find the theme words and the spangram.
SSOGEZIPNESESATFTEIHBEBRHNORABCWAOGEOZEGTHOMHCST
Theme nudge: What to look for
Look for lively words tied to socializing, casual talk, and keeping conversation light.
Hint 1: How many words to find
There are 5 theme words plus one spangram.
Hint 2: The spangram
The spangram has 14 letters, starts with S, and runs from the top of the board to the bottom.
Hint 3: Theme word lengths and first letters
- 6 letters, starts with B
- 7 letters, starts with C
- 7 letters, starts with G
- 6 letters, starts with G
- 8 letters, starts with S
Show the spangram
SHOOTTHEBREEZE
Show all theme words
BANTER, CHINWAG, GABFEST, GOSSIP, SCHMOOZE
About this puzzle
- Made by Christina Iverson
- Edited by Tracy Bennett
Strands deep dive
More about today's puzzle. Everything in this section can include the answer.
The solved board
SSOGEZIPNESESATFTEIHBEBRHNORABCWAOGEOZEGTHOMHCST
Gold squares are the spangram, green squares are theme words.
What the theme words mean
- BANTER: Sharp, good-humoured, playful, typically spontaneous conversation.
- CHINWAG: (UK, Ireland, Commonwealth, informal) An informal conversation, usually about everyday matters; a chat, a gossip.
- GABFEST: (slang, chiefly US) An occasion (such as a meeting) where people talk at length.
- GOSSIP: (uncountable) Idle talk about someone’s private or personal matters, especially about someone not present.
- SCHMOOZE: To talk casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.
Play today's Strands at The New York Times
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