Connections Answers
Saturday, October 31, 2026
1
WORDS MEANING GOOD THAT SOUND BAD
These words originally describe something bad, difficult, or unhealthy. However, in American slang, they are used to mean something excellent, cool, or impressive, creating a fun paradox in language.
Individual words:
•GNARLY: From surfing culture, 'gnarly' means something extremely cool, challenging, or impressive. Despite its sound, it's a strong compliment for something great.
•KILLER: In slang, 'killer' describes something outstandingly good, powerful, or effective. For example, a 'killer song' is an excellent song.
•SICK: When Americans say something is 'sick,' especially younger people, they mean it is incredibly cool, amazing, or impressive, completely opposite to its literal meaning.
•WICKED: While literally meaning evil, 'wicked' in American slang means very good, excellent, or amazing. It's also used as an intensifier, like 'very,' e.g., 'wicked fast.'
2
MARTINI SPECIFICATIONS
These words are all ways to describe or order a martini, a type of alcoholic cocktail. They specify how the drink should be made or served.
Individual words:
•DIRTY: For a martini, 'dirty' means olive brine (the liquid from a jar of olives) is added. This makes the drink cloudy and gives it a salty, savory flavor.
•DRY: When ordering a martini 'dry,' it means using less vermouth (a type of wine) and more gin or vodka. It makes the drink taste stronger and less sweet.
•SHAKEN: This means the martini ingredients are mixed by shaking them with ice in a cocktail shaker. This chills the drink quickly and slightly dilutes it. (Opposite of 'stirred').
•UP: To order a martini 'up' means it is served in a stemmed glass (like a martini glass) without any ice in the glass. The drink is chilled before serving.
3
THINGS WITH STRINGS
These words all refer to items that prominently feature 'strings' as a key part of their design or function.
Individual words:
•GUITAR: A musical instrument, popular in the US, with a hollow body and six strings. You play it by plucking or strumming the strings to make music.
•MARIONETTE: A type of puppet (toy figure) controlled by a person using strings attached to its body. Moving the strings makes the marionette dance or act.
•TASSEL: A decoration made from many threads tied together. You often see tassels on hats, curtains, or clothing, especially on US graduation caps.
•TENNIS RACKET: An item used in the sport of tennis. It has a frame with a network of tightly stretched strings that you use to hit the ball.
4
STARTING WITH DOG COMMANDS
Each word starts with a common command given to a dog: DOWN, SHAKE, SIT, and STAY. For example, 'DOWNFALL' begins with 'DOWN'.
Individual words:
•DOWNFALL: This means a sudden loss of power, status, or wealth. It's when someone or something important fails completely, like a famous person's career ending.
•SHAKESPEARE: William Shakespeare was a very famous English writer, born in the 1500s. He wrote many classic plays and poems, like 'Romeo and Juliet', still studied today.
•SITCOM: A 'situation comedy' is a popular type of TV show. It's a funny series about a group of characters and their everyday lives, like 'Friends' or 'The Office'.
•STAYCATION: This is a holiday where you stay at home or near your home, instead of traveling far away. You relax and enjoy local activities, often saving money.