Sometimes, a crossword clue pops up that makes you pause and say, “Wait, what does that even mean?” That’s exactly what happened with the “Hawaii and Tennessee” clue in the New York Times Crossword Puzzle from September 21, 2024. It seemed simple at first but left many players scratching their heads.
The clue mentioned Hawaii and Tennessee together and asked solvers to figure out what they had in common. But the answer wasn’t about geography or culture. Instead, it pointed to something much more subtle. That’s where the fun begins.
Let’s dive in and explore why the answer to this clue was TRIVIA, what makes it so clever, and how clues like this can help us become better crossword solvers.
What Was The Hawaii And Tennessee NYT Crossword Clue?
The clue from the NYT crossword was: “Hawaii and Tennessee are the only two U.S. states whose names end in doubled letters,” e.g. At first glance, it seemed like the puzzle was asking for a connection between the two states themselves.
But the trick here is in the wording. The clue ends with “e.g.” which means “for example.” This tells us the clue is pointing toward a category or type of information—not a fact about the states themselves. That small detail changes how we should read it.
This is one of those clues where reading between the lines really helps. It’s not asking about Tennessee or Hawaii directly. It’s asking what kind of information this is. That’s the key to getting to the answer.
The Official Answer Revealed
So what was the answer to this clue? The answer was TRIVIA. At first, it may seem unrelated or even random. But once you think about it more, it makes perfect sense. The clue is not just a statement—it’s a fun fact. And fun facts like that fall under the category of trivia.
Both Hawaii and Tennessee end with doubled letters—“ii” for Hawaii and “ee” for Tennessee. That’s not something most people would notice unless they were really paying attention. And that’s what makes it trivia.
Trivia is all about small, interesting facts that aren’t always useful in daily life, but they’re fun to know. That’s exactly what this clue gave us. The puzzle wasn’t asking about the states themselves. It was asking what kind of statement that clue was—and the answer was clear: trivia.
Breaking Down The Logic
Let’s walk through the thinking step-by-step. When we look at the clue again, we see it’s offering an example of a rare fact. That’s the hint that tells us this isn’t a typical geography question. It’s more about wordplay and observation.
In the NYT crossword, clues often go beyond direct definitions. They make you think about how words and ideas connect. That’s what makes solving them so satisfying. This clue is an example of a self-referential puzzle—it’s pointing to itself and asking, “What kind of clue am I?”
That’s why the answer TRIVIA fits so well. It’s clever, it’s surprising, and it teaches solvers how to think beyond the surface. Once you see it, you’ll never forget it—and that’s the magic of a good crossword clue.
Why TRIVIA Is A Clever Answer
Trivia isn’t just about random knowledge—it’s about spotting the unusual. This clue was a perfect example. It gave solvers a fact that’s true but not widely known, and then asked them to name the category that kind of fact belongs to.
The word TRIVIA has Latin roots meaning “commonplace,” but in modern usage, it means small facts that are interesting or entertaining. Crossword puzzles often use trivia to challenge and surprise their audience, especially in themed or weekend editions.
By using TRIVIA as the answer, the NYT crossword reminded solvers that clues don’t always lead to something obvious. Sometimes, the clue itself is the answer in disguise. And when that happens, the “aha” moment is incredibly rewarding.
Why Hawaii And Tennessee Were Chosen
Out of all fifty U.S. states, only Hawaii and Tennessee have names that end in double letters. Hawaii ends in “ii”, and Tennessee ends in “ee.” That detail is easy to miss unless you’re really looking closely at the spelling.
This tiny bit of information is what made the clue so unique. It’s a perfect example of how crossword puzzles use language in playful ways. Instead of asking a straight geography question, the clue made you notice a fun detail in how state names are written.
By choosing these two specific states, the crossword added just the right amount of challenge. It caught players off guard, but once they figured it out, it made perfect sense. That’s what makes trivia clues so fun and satisfying.
Hawaii In NYT Crossword History
Hawaii often shows up in NYT crossword puzzles, and not just because of how it’s spelled. It’s one of the most distinct U.S. states, known for its islands, volcanoes, and unique culture. That makes it a great fit for a wide range of crossword clues.
Clues about Hawaii often mention things like the “Aloha State,” “Pacific Island,” or even specific places like Honolulu or Diamond Head. The state’s natural beauty and cultural depth give puzzle makers lots of creative ideas.
Because Hawaii is so well known but also so different from the mainland, it always catches the reader’s eye. And that’s why it keeps appearing in puzzles—not just for its geography, but for everything that makes it special.
Tennessee In NYT Crossword History
Tennessee is another state that shows up regularly in crossword puzzles. But instead of beaches or volcanoes, Tennessee brings music, history, and Southern charm to the table. It’s known for cities like Nashville and Memphis, both famous for their music scenes.
In the NYT crossword, you might see clues like “Music City, USA,” or “Grand Ole Opry city,” all pointing to Tennessee. It’s also common to see clues about Elvis Presley, who was born in Mississippi but made his name in Memphis.
Tennessee also played a big part in American history, especially during the Civil War and in the growth of American folk and country music. That rich background gives crossword creators lots of ways to reference the state in fun and meaningful ways.
How To Solve Clues Like This
If you found this clue tricky, you’re not alone. Clues like this one require a different way of thinking. Instead of looking at the surface meaning, you have to ask, “Is this clue giving me a direct answer, or is it trying to tell me something else?”
When you see words like “e.g.” or “type of,” it’s often a signal that the answer is a category, not a person or place. In this case, the category was TRIVIA, and the clue was an example of it. Once you know to watch for these hints, solving becomes easier and more fun.
So next time you get stuck on a clue that feels off, pause and ask yourself: “Is this clue talking about itself?” If so, you might be looking at a trivia clue, and now you’ll know just what to do.
Bottom-Line
The clue about Hawaii and Tennessee was more than just a fun fact—it was a great example of how clever the NYT crossword can be. It reminded us that crossword puzzles aren’t just about definitions. They’re about thinking in new ways and noticing the small details.
We hope you found this article helpful and that it makes you even more excited to take on your next puzzle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned solver, remember that each clue is a chance to learn something new—and maybe even smile while doing it.
So the next time you see a clue that seems confusing at first, don’t give up. It might just be trivia in disguise, waiting for you to discover it.
People also read, Cracking the Statesman NYT Crossword Clue: A Solver’s Guide
