Quick Answer
Clue: “Dirty stuff”
Answer: FILTH
Answer length: 5 letters
Position: 6-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Dirty stuff” has the answer FILTH, as confirmed by published answer keys for the January 21, 2026 NYT Mini puzzle.
Why FILTH Is the Right NYT Answer
- In everyday English, filth directly means foul, disgusting dirt or refuse, which lines up perfectly with the vague phrase “dirty stuff.” Crossword clue sites that track this specific Mini grid all list FILTH as the five-letter solution, matching both the definition and length.
- Unlike narrower words such as “SOOT” or “MUD,” FILTH covers any kind of gross dirt, which makes it an ideal catch‑all answer for a broad clue like “Dirty stuff.”
What FILTH Means in Plain English
- Dictionaries define filth as very unpleasant dirt or unclean matter and, by extension, anything considered disgusting or morally offensive. In day‑to‑day usage, people might talk about “filth on the floor,” “streets full of filth,” or even “TV full of filth,” all of which fit the idea of “dirty stuff.”
- For this crossword, the physical-dirt sense is enough no need to read any moral or adult connotation into the clue.
Crossword-Specific Help: Pattern, Crossings, and Variants
- In the grid, FILTH appears as F‑I‑L‑T‑H, so with a few crossings you may see patterns like FIL__ or _ILTH, which uniquely point to FILTH. The uncommon final letter combo ‑LTH makes the entry easy to confirm once at least two letters are in place.
- FILTH is a common answer in crossword dictionaries and word lists, often clued with definitions like “squalor,” “grime,” or simply “dirt.”
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue is broad and informal “Dirty stuff,” “Gross gunk,” “Nasty grime” think of general nouns like FILTH, CRUD, or MESS and then match the letter count.
- Pay special attention to unusual ending clusters; sequences like ‑LTH (FILTH) or ‑RTH (DIRTH, EARTH) narrow possibilities quickly once crossings fill in.
In Minis, a strong central answer like FILTH often gives several high‑value consonants (F, L, TH) that make the surrounding Downs much easier to spot.
