The “bumped things” NYT crossword clue might leave even seasoned solvers scratching their heads at first. In a New York Times puzzle, this deceptively simple clue stumped many until they realized it was pointing to a friendly greeting. What are the “things” being bumped? The answer was FISTS – referring to the act of bumping fists together as a hip alternative to a handshake. Once you see it, it makes perfect sense, but the journey to that “aha!” moment is what makes the clue so clever and memorable. In this article, we’ll explain what “bumped things” refers to, explore a bit of NYT crossword history and cultural significance, discuss how clues like this are constructed, look at similar tricky clues and solving strategies, and reflect on why solving such puzzles is both challenging and rewarding.
NYT Crossword History and Cultural Significance of Clues Like “Bumped Things”
The New York Times crossword is often regarded as the gold standard of American crosswords. It has been delighting and vexing solvers for over 75 years, with a rich history dating back to World War II. The NYT was actually late to the crossword craze; in the 1920s the paper even dismissed crosswords as “a primitive sort of mental exercise” and “a sinful waste.” However, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the paper recognized that Americans could use a welcome distraction. The first New York Times crossword was published on Sunday, February 15, 1942, edited by Margaret Farrar. It was an instant hit, and by 1950 the Times added a daily crossword to the paper.
Over the decades, NYT crosswords have become a cultural icon – featured in movies, bonding generations of solvers, and serving as a daily ritual for many. Clues range from straightforward definitions to witty wordplay, and they increase in difficulty as the week progresses. A Monday NYT puzzle tends to have easy, literal clues, while by Saturday the clues are fiendishly tricky, often with clever misdirection. The “bumped things” clue is a perfect example of a Saturday-style clue: it’s short, innocuous-sounding, but surprisingly hard until you think outside the box. These kinds of clues contribute to the crossword’s reputation for both stumping readers and then sending them soaring with satisfaction when they fill in that last square.
How the “Bumped Things” NYT Crossword Clue Was Constructed
Crossword clues like “bumped things” are crafted with careful attention to wording and convention. In American crosswords (like the NYT), a clue typically corresponds directly to its answer in tense, number, and part of speech. Here, “bumped things” is a plural noun phrase, so solvers knew the answer would be a plural noun (five letters, in this case). The challenge is that the phrase isn’t a common expression on its own; it’s hinting at something that gets bumped. The constructor could have clued FISTS more directly (e.g. “Knuckle-bumping greetings”), but instead opted for this terse phrasing to increase difficulty.
Notice that the clue does not have a question mark at the end. In crossword clue grammar, a “?” usually signals a pun or play on words. The absence of that symbol here tells us “bumped things” is meant to be taken in a relatively literal way – though it still requires a bit of lateral thinking. Essentially, the clue is short for “things that are bumped,” and one must imagine a scenario of bumping. The most likely context is the friendly fist bump. Indeed, the clue was solved by realizing it’s referring to fist bumps, so the “things” being bumped are fists.
Constructors and editors love this style of clue because it’s fair yet intriguing. All the information needed is there, but it’s slightly oblique. Solvers might initially interpret “bumped” as a verb in the past tense (as in “bumped into things”) or think of bumpers, collisions, etc. The clue cleverly uses a verb participle as an adjective – “bumped” describes the things. Such clues reward flexible thinking.
Examples of Similar Tricky Clues and Solving Strategies
Experienced solvers know that clues like “bumped things” are not unique – the NYT crossword is full of inventive clue constructions. Here are a few analogous examples and tips for cracking them:
- “Dropped things” – Think of common phrases involving “drop.” One answer that fits this pattern is MICS, as in “drop the mic.” Always consider if the clue is hinting at an idiom or phrase where the noun is the object of that verb.
- “Split things” – Could be ENDS (from “split ends”) or HAIRS (from “split hairs”). Recognizing familiar phrases is key.
- “Bent things” – This could clue RULES, from “bend the rules.”
- “Shaken things” – Might clue HANDS, because people “shake hands.”
When you encounter this style of clue, use these strategies:
- Check the basics: The clue is plural, so the answer is plural.
- Consider idioms and phrases: Ask yourself, “What do we bump? What do we drop? What do we bend?”
- Use crossing letters: Other answers’ letters will fill in some blanks.
- Stay flexible: The clue might be literal in an unexpected way.
By applying these tactics, you can get to the answer methodically. Thinking of what commonly “gets bumped” in a friendly way (fists or elbows) and matching the letter count leads to the solution.
Why “Bumped Things” and Similar Clues Are So Clever (and Challenging)
There’s a reason clues like “bumped things” elicit both groans and grins from the solver community. They’re challenging because they defy your first instincts. At first glance, “bumped things” looks almost incomplete – bumped what things? The solver has to fill in the mental blank. It’s clever because the answer is hiding in plain sight through a common concept (a fist bump) but phrased in an uncommon way. When you finally figure it out, you appreciate the clue’s sly simplicity.
These clues often have multiple plausible interpretations, which is both a hurdle and a delight. The crossword’s cross-fill and the precise wording narrow it to the intended answer, but along the way your mind might explore all those possibilities. That mental juggling act is what makes solving tricky clues a satisfying challenge. It’s a bit like a riddle – you feel in the dark at first, but every letter you fill in is a candle flickering to illuminate the answer.
The NYT crossword editors ensure that even the most diabolical clue remains fair. Misdirection is used, but the clue isn’t outright misleading; it’s just subtly phrased. In the case of “bumped things,” the clue was perfectly fair – there’s no trickery beyond finding the right context for “bump.” The cleverness lies in saying something ordinary (fists) in an unexpected way.
The Joy and Mental Exercise of Solving Clues Like “Bumped Things”
Solving a challenging crossword clue is more than just a trivial pursuit – it’s a little victory that sparks joy. When you finally filled in FISTS for “bumped things,” you likely felt a rush of satisfaction. That’s the magic of crosswords. They tease your brain and reward your persistence.
There’s also a deeper benefit: puzzles like these keep your mind sharp. Research has shown that regular crossword solving can improve memory and cognitive function. While you’re enjoying the playful challenge of clues such as “bumped things,” you’re also giving your brain a healthy exercise in pattern recognition, vocabulary, and lateral thinking. It’s a win-win hobby – fun in the moment and beneficial in the long run.
Finally, there’s the simple enjoyment factor. Tackling the NYT crossword (and its trickiest clues) is a beloved ritual for countless solvers. Whether you do it with your morning coffee or as a winding-down activity, each puzzle is a journey. Clues like “bumped things” make that journey memorable. They become conversation pieces and teach you to appreciate the nuances of language.