Quick Answer
Clue: “Respected veteran, in slang”
Answer: OLDHEAD
Answer length: 7 letters
Clue number & direction: 8-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Respected veteran, in slang” is answered with OLDHEAD.
Why “OLDHEAD” Is the Right NYT Answer
- In slang, especially in music, sports, and street culture, an old head is a long-time participant who’s admired for deep experience and perspective exactly a “respected veteran.”
- NYT Mini answer keys and helper sites for the January 24, 2026 puzzle all give OLDHEAD as the 7-letter solution for this clue, confirming it as the intended entry.
What “OLDHEAD” Means in Plain English
- An oldhead (often written “old head”) is a slang term for an older, experienced person in a scene or community who knows the history and “how things really work.”
- It usually carries respect, suggesting someone whose opinions and memories are valued rather than just “an old person.”
Crossword-Specific Help and Patterns
- In the grid, OLDHEAD appears as O L D H E A D, so partial patterns like OLDH__D or O_DHEAD strongly point to this answer once you see the “veteran” angle.
- The term isn’t classic “crosswordese,” but it’s increasingly common in modern, conversational NYT clues that reference slang and culture.
- On this date’s Mini, crossings from entries like PLOW, SAUNA, MADMEN, BEDTIME and downs such as ONEMAN, WANED, SADDER, MELEE, and BORE confirm the letters of OLDHEAD at 8-Across.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue mixes “veteran” with “in slang,” think of informal phrases like OLDHEAD, OG, or O.G. (original gangster), then use the enumeration to choose the 7-letter option.
Watch for clues that hint at culture-specific contexts (hip-hop, street ball, niche scenes); they often favor contemporary slang entries like OLDHEAD over generic words like ELDER.
