Quick Answer
Clue: “Not cool”
Answer: UNHIP
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 5-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Not cool” is answered with UNHIP, filling all five squares of 5-Across.
Why UNHIP Is the Right NYT Answer
- UNHIP is a direct slang synonym for “not cool,” meaning unfashionable or out of touch with trends.
- NYT-focused answer sites and crossword archives list UNHIP as the 5-letter solution for this exact clue, including other NYT puzzles where “Not cool” and “So not cool” have UNHIP as the entry.
- Other answers like LAME (4) or NERDY (5) can also clue “Not cool,” but for the January 28, 2026 Mini, helper pages specifically confirm UNHIP, matching the required pattern and slot.
What UNHIP Means in Plain English
- Unhip means not hip—uncool, unfashionable, or not in the know about current styles, slang, or culture. Someone described as UNHIP might be behind the times in music, clothes, or online trends.
- The word is informal and often slightly playful or teasing, which makes it a natural fit for a light, modern crossword clue like “Not cool.”
Crossword-Specific Help for UNHIP
- In a 5-letter slot, UNHIP appears as U N H I P, and with crossings you might see patterns like U_HIP, UN_IP, or _NHIP, which strongly suggest UNHIP when the clue is “Not cool.”
- Crossword databases show that UNHIP is a regular answer for clues such as “Not cool,” “Very uncool,” “So not cool,” and “Not hip at all.”
- Because it’s slangy and distinctive, UNHIP is easier to recall than more generic options once you’ve seen it a couple of times in puzzles.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- For clues like “Not cool,” “So not cool,” “Very uncool,” “Not hip,” and you have 5 letters, think of UNHIP alongside NERDY and DORKY, then use crossings to decide.
- If you see U__IP or UNH_P in a youth-culture or style-related clue, UNHIP should be your first guess.
Remember that NYT sometimes reuses this entry; past grids have UNHIP with nearly identical clue wording, which is a strong precedent.
More NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 28, 2026
| Clue | Answer | |
| 1A | Remove from a position of power | View Answer |
| 5A | Not cool | View Answer |
| 7A | “Fine, see if ___!” | View Answer |
| 8A | Kind of bored | View Answer |
| 9A | Primatologists’ subjects: | View Answer |
| 1D | Kind of board | View Answer |
| 2D | Prepare to use, as a pen | View Answer |
| 3D | Desirable place to sit on a hot day | View Answer |
| 4D | Pair on a bicycle | View Answer |
| 6D | __ XING (street sign) | View Answer |
