By Jeff 
The world of crosswords is full of linguistic flair, clever misdirection, and playful challenges. For devoted solvers and casual players alike, some clues simply stand out – not just for their difficulty, but for their oddity. One such enigma that has puzzled many is the clue: “bumped things” from the New York Times crossword. At first glance, it’s vague, perhaps even whimsical, but as with most NYT crossword entries, the devil is in the details – and the delight is in the solve.
Let’s dive into the depths of this curious crossword clue, unraveling what it means, how to approach solving it, and why such clues keep puzzlers coming back for more.
Understanding the NYT Crossword Clue: “Bumped Things”
What Does “Bumped Things” Even Mean?
In classic crossword fashion, “bumped things” is a play on words. This clue may refer to “elbows”, which are parts of the body that can be “bumped” – such as in the phrase “rubbing elbows.” But that’s not the only interpretation. Crossword clues often operate on multiple levels, drawing from idioms, puns, slang, and double entendres.
Common Answers for “Bumped Things” in Crossword Puzzles
Possible Solutions:
Elbows – Physical parts of the body that are often “bumped” in crowds or in jest.
Hips – Another body part frequently bumped, as in dancing or maneuvering through tight spaces.
Carts – Think of supermarket aisles – they’re often what gets bumped.
Ideas – Figuratively, ideas can “bump” into each other, especially in brainstorming sessions.
The NYT crossword is notorious for its clever twist on ordinary words. The trick is to read between the lines and question your initial interpretation.
Why the Clue “Bumped Things” Is So Tricky
The beauty of this clue lies in its ambiguity. It lacks a clear indicator of whether it’s:
A noun or a verb
Literal or figurative
Bodily or object-related
This is a classic “Monday-to-Sunday” shift in NYT difficulty levels. Earlier week puzzles tend to be more straightforward, while later in the week, clues grow more cryptic and abstract.
Strategies to Solve Vague Clues Like “Bumped Things”
Use Crosswordese: Learn commonly used short words in puzzles. These often repeat and help you find anchor points.
Look at Crossings: Let other words in the puzzle guide your answer. If a few intersecting clues seem to fit, they can lead you to the correct term.
Think Literally and Figuratively: Could it be a body part? An object? A slang term?
Remember Themes: Some puzzles, especially Thursdays, have themes that alter clue meaning dramatically.
Theme or No Theme? How That Affects the Clue
In themed puzzles, “bumped things” might play a role in a larger visual or linguistic trick. Perhaps certain answers are shifted or “bumped” out of place. For instance, a rebus puzzle may require entering multiple letters into one square, or a theme might involve adding/removing letters.
What Day Was “Bumped Things” Used In the NYT Puzzle?
This clue may appear on different days depending on its complexity. It’s important to track context:
If it appeared on a Monday or Tuesday, the answer is likely straightforward: “elbows” or “carts”.
If it showed up on a Thursday or Sunday, there’s likely a wordplay or gimmick involved.
Websites like XWordInfo or NYTCrosswordAnswers.com offer puzzle archives where you can look up exact dates and solutions.
Why Crossword Clues Like “Bumped Things” Keep Us Hooked
Puzzles are mental playgrounds. Clues like “bumped things” reflect the NYT crossword’s mastery of minimalism, where just two words can lead to multiple interpretations.
They remind solvers to stay sharp, remain flexible in their thinking, and always consider the wider spectrum of language – from idioms to anatomy.
Tips for Mastering Crossword Clues Like This
Start with easy fills: Begin solving the grid with the answers you’re most confident in.
Build off the crossings: Let other words fill in the blanks and inform tougher clues.
Practice with variety: NYT, LA Times, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker all use different cluing styles.
Use clue databases: Tools like OneLook, Crossword Nexus, or even Google can be helpful when you’re stumped.
The Crossword Community Reacts: “Bumped Things” Edition
Online forums like Reddit’s r/crossword and XWordInfo often feature passionate discussions about tricky or beloved clues. When “bumped things” appeared, it was likely met with curiosity, confusion, and eventually, “aha!” moments – the hallmark of a great puzzle experience.
Similar Clues You Might Encounter
Pressed things
Tapped out
Jabbed gently
Shouldered aside
Each uses a verb-noun combination to obscure meaning and encourage lateral thinking.
A Final Word on “Bumped Things” in the NYT Crossword
Crossword clues like “bumped things” remind us why we love puzzles in the first place. They challenge our assumptions, spark our creativity, and reward us with the sweet satisfaction of a well-earned answer. Whether it’s “elbows,” “hips,” or something completely unexpected, the journey to the solve is what truly matters.
FAQs
What does “bumped things” mean in the NYT Crossword? It’s a cryptic way of referring to something that’s commonly bumped—often “elbows,” depending on the puzzle’s context.
How do I find the correct answer? Check intersecting clues and consider multiple meanings—physical, metaphorical, and idiomatic.
Are there tools to help solve crossword puzzles? Yes! Try Crossword Solver, XWordInfo, OneLook Dictionary, or even social forums.
Why are NYT crossword clues so tricky? They’re designed to be clever, layered, and witty, encouraging solvers to think beyond the obvious.
Do themed puzzles change the meaning of clues? Absolutely. A clue like “bumped things” in a themed puzzle may relate to a gimmick involving movement or transformation.
Where can I look up past crossword clues? Sites like xwordinfo.com or nytcrosswordanswers.com provide archives with dates and full grids.