NYT Mini Crossword April 13, 2025 Solutions: UVA, ATARI, and Corporate Nicknames

Today’s April 13, 2025, New York Times Mini Crossword Puzzle offers an interesting blend of educational history, tech terminology, and corporate branding references. I’ve provided complete solutions and insights if you’re stuck on any clues or want to check your answers.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Solutions

Let’s break down each clue and its corresponding answer:

Across Clues

1. State sch. founded by Thomas Jefferson – UVA
This clue refers to the University of Virginia (UVA) founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. Jefferson considered the founding of UVA one of his most outstanding achievements, alongside writing the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. It’s often abbreviated as UVA in everyday contexts, making it a perfect crossword answer.

4. Flower containers – POTS
This is a straightforward clue referring to POTS, which are containers specifically designed to hold plants and flowers. While vases are typically used for cut flower arrangements, pots are more commonly associated with living plants.

6. “Crib” or “pad” for “house” – SLANG
This clue asks for a term that describes informal expressions like “crib” or “pad” when they’re used to refer to someone’s home or “house.” The answer is SLANG, which encompasses informal vocabulary typically used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech.

8. Pants, informally – TROU
This clue asks for a slang term for pants. The answer is TROU, a casual, shortened form of “trousers.” This informal term is less common than some slang words for pants, making it a more challenging answer that tests solvers’ knowledge of colloquial language.

9. Company nicknamed “Big Blue” – IBM
This clue refers to International Business Machines Corporation, commonly known as IBM. The company earned the nickname “Big Blue” due to the blue color of its logo and the blue cases of many of its mainframe computers. This nickname has been in use since at least the 1980s.

Down Clues

1. Company nicknamed “Big Brown” – UPS
Similar to the IBM clue, this refers to United Parcel Service (UPS), which is often called “Big Brown” because of its brown delivery trucks and uniforms. This nickname has become deeply associated with the brand’s identity.

2. What “V” stands for on a battery – VOLT
Batteries, particularly those used in small electronics, often have a voltage rating marked with a “V” (such as 1.5V or 9V). This “V” stands for VOLT, the standard unit of electrical potential difference.

3. Big name in 1980s arcade games – ATARI
ATARI was a pioneering company in video games and home computers. It was particularly dominant in the arcade scene of the 1980s with classic games like Asteroids, Centipede, and Pac-Man. The brand remains iconic in gaming history.

5. Stuck-up sort – SNOB
This clue is looking for a word that describes someone who acts superior or appears to look down on others. SNOB fits perfectly, describing a person who believes they are better than others, often due to their wealth, education, or social status.

7. Big Red, e.g. – GUM
“Big Red” is a popular cinnamon-flavored chewing GUM produced by Wrigley’s. The clue “e.g.” (exempli gratia, or “for example”) signals that we’re looking for the category to which Big Red belongs.

What Makes Today’s Puzzle Interesting

Today’s Mini Crossword offers several noteworthy elements:

1. Educational value: The reference to Thomas Jefferson founding UVA provides a nice historical touchpoint that might prompt some solvers to learn more about Jefferson’s educational legacy.
2. Corporate nicknames: Both “Big Blue” (IBM) and “Big Brown” (UPS) showcase how companies acquire memorable nicknames that become part of our cultural lexicon. These nicknames often capture something essential about the brand’s identity.
3. Generational knowledge: The ATARI clue might be straightforward for those who grew up in the 1980s but could present more of a challenge for younger solvers. This highlights how crosswords sometimes test knowledge across different generational experiences.
4. Terminology variations: The use of “TROU” as slang for trousers showcases how language evolves and contracts. This abbreviated form is less common than other pants-related slang, adding an extra challenge for solvers.

Conclusion

The April 13, 2025, NYT Mini Crossword offers a satisfying mix of historical, technical, and cultural knowledge. From Jefferson’s educational legacy at UVA to the arcade heyday of ATARI, it touches on diverse areas of expertise while remaining accessible to most solvers.

I hope this breakdown has provided some helpful insights. Did you solve today’s puzzle? Which clues gave you the most trouble? Keep practicing, and your crossword skills will improve with each daily puzzle!