If you love crosswords, you know the thrill — that aha! moment when a clue that seemed impossible suddenly clicks. Recently, one clue from The New York Times Mini Crossword took that excitement to a whole new level. It read:
“Hawaii and Tennessee are the only two U.S. states whose names end in doubled letters, e.g.”
Sounds simple, right? But solvers were stumped until they realized the answer was TRIVIA.
Let’s dive into why this clue became a favorite among crossword fans everywhere, what makes it so clever, and how it shows the genius of great puzzle design.
The Clue That Started It All
On September 21, 2024, the NYT Mini Crossword dropped this deceptively simple clue — and instantly, solvers were hooked.
At first glance, many assumed it had something to do with geography or U.S. state facts. Hawaii and Tennessee couldn’t be more different in terms of location and culture, so what was the connection?
The answer turned out to be brilliantly simple: it wasn’t about geography at all — it was pure word trivia.
Hawaii ends with “ii” and Tennessee with “ee,” making them the only U.S. states that end in double letters.
That’s it — just a linguistic coincidence that became a viral crossword moment.
Why “Hawaii and Tennessee” Was So Clever
So what made this clue special enough to get people talking across Reddit, crossword blogs, and social media?
Let’s break it down:
1. It Was Deceptively Simple
There was no pun, no play on words, and no cultural reference — just a factual statement that required you to really look at the words.
Sometimes, the hardest clues aren’t the ones filled with wordplay; they’re the ones hiding in plain sight.
2. It Appealed to Everyone
This wasn’t just for geography buffs. The clue had something for:
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Trivia lovers – because it was a pure factoid.
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Word nerds – because it played on letter patterns.
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Casual solvers – because it was learnable and satisfying.
3. It Delivered That “Aha!” Moment
Every great crossword clue rewards you for thinking differently. “TRIVIA” landed perfectly once you spotted the connection — that little mental spark that makes crossword solving so addictive.
Why the Clue Went Viral
When something as small as a crossword clue makes waves online, you know it’s struck a chord.
Here’s what happened next:
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Reddit threads lit up with solvers sharing their “I finally got it!” moments.
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Crossword blogs like Rex Parker and Wordplay discussed its simplicity and elegance.
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Even casual players admitted they’d never noticed the double-letter endings before.
As one Reddit user put it:
“I stared at that clue for five minutes before realizing it was about letters, not land!”
Another joked:
“I’ve lived in Tennessee my whole life and never noticed that ‘ee.’”
It wasn’t just a clue — it was a mini lesson in observation.
The Magic of Trivia in Crosswords
Crosswords and trivia go hand in hand. Great constructors know that a bit of general knowledge — whether historical, linguistic, or pop culture — keeps puzzles exciting.
Here’s why trivia-based clues work so well:
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They make you learn something new.
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They keep puzzles fresh and unpredictable.
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They reward curiosity as much as intelligence.
In the case of “Hawaii and Tennessee,” the trivia wasn’t obscure — it was hiding in plain sight.
That’s why solvers found it so satisfying.
Similar NYT Trivia Clues That Got People Talking
This wasn’t the first time The New York Times pulled off a trivia gem. Check out a few other clever examples:
| Clue | Answer | Why It’s Fun |
|---|---|---|
| “Only U.S. state with a non-rectangular flag” | Ohio | A flag fact most people forget |
| “Number of rings on the Olympic flag” | Five | A simple, visual fact |
| “First U.S. president born in a hospital” | Jimmy Carter | A surprising historical tidbit |
Each of these clues works the same way — simple, factual, but delightfully unexpected.
What Crossword Solvers Can Learn
If you’re an aspiring crossword whiz, this clue teaches some valuable lessons:
1. Look Beyond the Obvious
When you see place names or proper nouns, don’t jump straight to geography or history — sometimes it’s about the letters themselves.
2. Think Like a Linguist
Letter patterns, syllables, and endings often hide the real answer.
3. Keep Your Trivia Skills Sharp
Crosswords reward curiosity. The more random facts you know, the better your odds of cracking tricky clues.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Clue Like This
Designing a clue like “Hawaii and Tennessee” takes real craft. Crossword constructors need:
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A sharp eye for linguistic quirks.
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A deep database of trivia.
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An understanding of how solvers think.
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The ability to mislead — but fairly.
The clue worked because it was simple, fair, and satisfying. It’s the kind of puzzle that reminds you why you fell in love with crosswords in the first place.
Also Read : Sol Xochitl: The Untold Story of Mike Tyson’s Mysterious Ex-Girlfriend
More Trivia-Based Clues to Try
If you loved this one, here are a few trivia-style puzzles to challenge your brain:
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“The only U.S. state that contains the letter ‘Z.’” → Arizona
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“The only planet not named after a god.” → Earth
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“This bird’s name reads the same backward.” → Emu
Each one is simple on the surface — until you think about it.
Why the NYT Mini Crossword Keeps Growing in Popularity
The Mini Crossword has become a daily ritual for millions. It’s quick, clever, and gives that same satisfaction as the full-sized puzzle — but in just a few minutes.
Here’s why fans love it:
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Fast-paced fun – perfect for a quick brain break.
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Creative clues – no two puzzles feel alike.
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Accessible – great for both beginners and veterans.
As one solver put it, “The Mini is my mental espresso shot every morning.”
And with clues like “Hawaii and Tennessee,” it’s easy to see why.
The Bigger Picture: A Small Clue with a Big Impact
This single NYT Mini clue reminded crossword fans everywhere why they love puzzles. It wasn’t just about solving — it was about seeing language differently.
It combined:
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Trivia
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Observation
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Clever misdirection
— all in one short, satisfying clue.
So next time you’re staring at a crossword clue that seems too simple, take a closer look. It might just be another TRIVIA-level masterpiece waiting for you to unravel.
FAQs
What was the Hawaii and Tennessee NYT crossword clue?
It read: “Hawaii and Tennessee are the only two U.S. states whose names end in doubled letters, e.g.” The answer was TRIVIA.
Why was it considered clever?
Because it looked like a geography question but was actually about the spelling pattern — the double letters in each state name.
Are there any other states like that?
No. Only Hawaii (ii) and Tennessee (ee) have double-letter endings.
Where can I play the NYT Mini Crossword?
You can access it through the official NYT Crossword app or on their website.
Do crossword clues often use trivia?
Absolutely! Trivia-based clues are a staple in both regular and Mini puzzles — they keep things fresh and fun for solvers.
