The New York Times crossword is full of clever wordplay and double meanings. One clue that has puzzled many solvers is “Bumped things.” At first glance it seems simple, but in a crossword it can go in many directions. As one analysis notes, this clue “stands out for its simplicity and the variety of interpretations it invites”. In other words, the answer could be anything that’s bumped – literally or figuratively.
Crossword constructors love clues like this because they let solvers think laterally. The NYT is known for “inventive clueing” that uses puns, double meanings, and cultural references. In practice, “Bumped things” might mean something physically bumped (like elbows in a crowd), or something bumped on a schedule (like meetings or shows). The trickiness often comes from grammar. For example, one blog points out that the phrase “the bumped things” is written in passive voice, making it “deliciously ambiguous” – you must ask who is doing the bumping and what is being bumped.
What “Bumped Things” Means in Crosswords
“Bumped” is a verb, and “things” is a noun, but in crosswords any word can shift parts of speech. In one sense, bumped can mean hit or nudged. In another, it can mean moved in a schedule or promoted (as when a show is “bumped up” to a later time). Clue explanations note that “‘bumped’ can refer to literal contact or something being rescheduled or promoted, while ‘things’ could refer to objects, events, or actions”.
Because of these layers of meaning, solvers have to think beyond the obvious. Common literal answers include body parts or objects that bump things. For instance, fists fit because of a friendly fist bump, and elbows fit because of elbow bumps or accidentally knocking into someone. Similarly, carts (shopping carts colliding) or cars (fender-bender collisions) are plausible. On the figurative side, “bumped things” could mean rescheduled items – for example dates (as in bumped appointments) or egos (as in “bruised egos”). An NYT clue for October 2023 used “DATES” (rescheduled plans) for this clue. In another puzzle it was “CARS,” referring to minor collisions.
In short, “Bumped things” is intentionally vague. One clue breakdown lists examples:
Bumped things → FISTS (for fist bumps).
Bumped things → ELBOWS (for elbow bumps).
Bumped things → CARS (for fender-benders).
Bumped things → DATES (for rescheduled dates).
The exact answer depends on crossing letters and context, so having a broad view of these possibilities is key.
Examples of Recent Puzzles and Answers
This clue has appeared several times in the NYT. For example:
September 14, 2024 (Saturday) – Answer: FISTS. In that puzzle, 8-Across clued “Bumped things” with FISTS, referring to the fist bump.
October 15, 2023 (Sunday) – Answer: DATES. Here, “Bumped things” meant rescheduled appointments (dates pushed).
February 6, 2024 (Tuesday) – Answer: CARS. In this themed puzzle, the clue hinted at minor car collisions (“fender-benders”).
Midweek (recent) – Answer: ELBOWS. In a recent weekday puzzle, the clue (as “The bumped things”) was answered ELBOWS, capturing the idea of elbow bumps.
July 19, 2022 (Tuesday) – Answer: EGOS. In this example, “things bumped” (worded slightly differently) was EGOS (as in “bumped egos”).
These examples show the range of interpretations. Each puzzle’s theme and crossings guide the answer. But whether it’s fists, elbows, dates, cars, or something else, it always links back to some notion of “bumping.”
Why Constructors Use This Clue
Puzzle writers like “Bumped things” because it exemplifies creative wordplay. As one analysis notes, clues like this are a “hallmark of elegant crossword design” that challenge solvers to “think outside the box”. It rewards those who can hold multiple meanings in mind. The clue’s brevity is also typical NYT style – “less is more and every word counts”. A two-word phrase with an ordinary meaning ends up being quite ingenious.
Using passive or unusual phrasing adds to the trick. For instance, the wording “the bumped things” was pointed out as a clever play; it disguises who does the bumping and what gets bumped. This kind of grammatical twist (turning verbs into adjectives or nouns) forces solvers to question their assumptions about parts of speech. Modern NYT clues have become more pop-culture savvy and open to interpretation than the straightforward definitions of the past.
Overall, clues like “Bumped things” engage the solver’s curiosity and language skills. They often spark discussion online, because everyone notices that moment when the answer clicks. As one solver wrote, “Wow, I was stuck on that clue forever. Then it clicked—pure genius!”. Whether you love the wordplay or groan at the ambiguity, it makes the puzzle memorable.
Tackling Ambiguous Clues Like “Bumped Things”
When you see a clue like this, use a flexible approach:
Check different meanings. First, interpret key words broadly. For bumped, consider physical contact (hit, nudged) and scheduling shifts (moved to a new time). For things, consider concrete objects or abstract events. One guide advises that “bumped can refer to physical contact, promotions, or even being removed from a list”. Keeping multiple definitions in mind helps you think of answers like FISTS or DATES simultaneously.
Use common phrases and idioms. Think of everyday expressions that include the words. For example, “fist bump” and “elbow bump” are familiar phrases. If those come to mind, they hint at the possible answers FISTS or ELBOWS. In fact, being aware of recent events can help – the rise of elbow bumps as a greeting (during health crises) made ELBOWS a very timely answer.
Fill in cross letters. Always rely on the crossings! Fill easier or more certain answers first, then look at the letters intersecting the “Bumped things” entry. Those letters will narrow down options quickly. For example, if the pattern is I_ST, and you suspect “fists,” confirming the F and T from crosses seals it. One solver advice is: “look for intersecting letters… When you fill in one answer, it can lead to others based on shared letters”.
Analyze grammar and structure. Is bumped acting as a verb or an adjective? If it’s a verb (“things that bumped”), you think of actions; if it’s an adjective (“things that are bumped”), you think of objects that have been bumped. The clue’s phrasing can hint at this. For instance, as noted, “The bumped things” uses passive voice, suggesting things being bumped. Always ask yourself: Who is doing the bumping? What is being bumped? That often guides you to the right part of speech and answer.
Start with what you know. Fill in answers you’re sure of before wrestling with “Bumped things.” This gives you letters and context. One strategy tip is to “start by focusing on the clues that seem most familiar… These provide a foundation”. If you’re really stuck, pencil in a guess and see if it fits with other words.
Don’t overthink too early. Sometimes your first instinct is right. Avoid jumping to exotic answers before checking simple ones. The clue’s solution is usually ordinary (even if deceptively worded). As one solver put it, “Clues like ‘bumped things’ aren’t trying to trick you, but to guide you subtly”.
By combining these approaches, you can crack “Bumped things.” Remember that multiple answers can seem to fit until the crosses decide it. One crossword guide puts it well: “Embracing the ambiguity and employing strategic thinking can enhance the crossword-solving experience”.
General Solving Tips for Tricky Clues
In addition to the above, keep these general strategies in mind when solving NYT clues:
Start easy, build momentum. Fill in the shortest and simplest clues first. This gives letters for the harder ones. On tough clues like this, sometimes the smallest crosses hold the key.
Break down complex clues. If a clue has multiple parts or could be parsed in different ways, tackle each piece. For example, “bumped” vs. “things” could be considered separately (as done above).
Use pencil (or a mental equivalent). Don’t be afraid to enter a tentative answer and adjust if it leads to conflicts. As one solver suggests, jot down guesses even if you’re not sure. They can inspire the correct answer as crosses fill in.
Take breaks if stuck. Stepping away can help. [55†L120-L121] notes that a short break often lets you return with fresh perspective.
Learn common crosswordese and theme tropes. Many puzzlers keep lists of frequently used fill words or theme devices. Over time you’ll recognize clues that often point to particular words (like using “NYC” always for NYC in crosswords).
Use resources and communities. If you’re new to tough puzzles, consider discussing with friends or on forums like Reddit’s r/crossword. Many enthusiasts share tips and explain clues, which can help you learn patterns faster.
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Bottom Line: The NYT clue “Bumped things” is a classic example of how modern crosswords use wordplay and ambiguity to challenge solvers. Don’t be alarmed by its vagueness. By exploring the clue’s multiple meanings, filling crossing letters, and applying logical strategies, you’ll see why answers like FISTS or ELBOWS are right, and move on to conquer the rest of the puzzle. Ultimately, solving it will give you that satisfying “aha!” moment that makes crosswords so fun.
