Crossword clues can be deceptively simple—and “Bumped Things” is one of those that stops solvers in their tracks. If you’ve been puzzling over this entry in the NYT crossword, you’re not alone. Here’s everything you need to know to crack this clue and understand the reasoning behind it.
Explanation:
The clue “Bumped Things” plays on a common social gesture—bumping elbows. While it may sound unusual at first, once you think about how people greet each other (especially post-2020), “elbows” makes perfect sense.
This is a classic NYT-style clue, where a physical action and an idiomatic expression overlap. “Bumped” refers to the act of tapping elbows, typically used as a handshake alternative, and “things” hints that we’re looking for a plural noun—like elbows.
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Other Possible Interpretations:
While ELBOWS is the correct and confirmed answer, crossword solvers might also consider these red herrings:
HIPS – another body part people “bump” in dances or by accident.
DATES – in the sense of “rescheduled” or “bumped forward.”
CARS – items that might get “bumped” in traffic.
However, only ELBOWS fits perfectly both linguistically and contextually for the NYT clue.
Quick Solving Tips
Always pay attention to plural clues like “things.”
Consider recent events or cultural shifts—greetings like elbow bumps became common post-pandemic.
Look for figurative language or idioms when the clue seems too simple
Recent NYT Clues That Follow Similar Patterns:
“Tapped out” → DRY
“On the rocks” → ICY
“Breaks fast” → EATS
NYT often uses this layered approach, where the clue seems literal but actually hints at something more creative
Disclaimer:
Our crossword clue answers and explanations are provided to support puzzle enthusiasts. We are not affiliated with the New York Times or any official puzzle publisher. All content is meant for educational and entertainment purposes.
