For countless word game enthusiasts in India and globally, the New York Times Strands puzzle has become a beloved daily mental exercise. The edition for December 29, 2025, puzzle number 666, offered a particularly stylish challenge, blending fashion with clever wordplay.
The Theme and Clue for December 29 Strands
The puzzle presented players with a playful theme titled "Are you putting me on?" This phrase served as a direct hint, pointing solvers toward a world of apparel and garments. The goal was to find a collection of words all connected to clothing and items one wears before heading out. The letters were arranged across the board, requiring a keen eye to spot familiar terms related to attire.
Finding the Key: The Spangram
As with every Strands puzzle, a single spangram holds the grid together and provides structural context. For puzzle 666, the crucial spangram was SUITYOURSELF. This phrase perfectly complemented the clothing theme, offering a common expression that also incorporates the word "suit." Once discovered, which typically requires it to span from one side of the grid to another, it acts as a guiding light, making the remaining themed words significantly easier to identify.
Complete Solution for Strands Puzzle 666
After locking in the SUITYOURSELF spangram, the clothing theme came into sharp focus. The full set of answers for the December 29, 2025 Strands puzzle, in no specific order, is:
- SHIRT
- BELT
- CUFFLINKS
- JACKET
- TROUSERS
- VEST
This list provided a satisfying mix, ranging from everyday basics like shirt and trousers to more formal accessories such as cufflinks and a vest. This balance offered a fair level of difficulty for regular players.
Pro Tips for Mastering Strands Puzzles
Regular solvers often recommend a specific strategy. Start by hunting for the spangram, as it defines the puzzle's core concept and letter pattern. Next, scan the board for smaller words that logically fit the hinted theme, following the letter trails without overthinking. Daily practice hones your ability to recognize common letter clusters and shapes. If you hit a wall, stepping away briefly can help; returning with fresh eyes often makes the themed words pop out clearly.
The Strands puzzle continues to engage minds, and this edition proved that even a simple concept like clothing can be woven into an entertaining and challenging word hunt.
