This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 1, 2026 (40 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 7 squares (one square holds more than one letter)
First letter
S followed by 6 more squares
First and last letters
S followed by 6 more squares
Show the answer
About the answer
SPINALTAP has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 1, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
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