Quick Answer
Clue: “Total dork”
Answer: DWEEB
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 9-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Total dork” is answered with DWEEB, which fills all five squares of 9-Across in that day’s Mini grid.
Why DWEEB Is the Right NYT Answer
- The slang word dweeb is a direct synonym for “dork,” meaning an uncool, nerdy, or socially awkward person, so it fits the clue definition perfectly.
- The intensifier “Total” in the clue just emphasizes the extremity of the dorkiness, but the core dictionary-style match is “dork” → “dweeb.”
- Answer listings for the January 23, 2026 NYT Mini clearly give DWEEB as the 5-letter solution for 9-Across, confirming both the word and length.
- Other options like NERD or GEEK do not fit the 5-letter requirement or the exact pattern from crossings.
What DWEEB Means in Plain English
- A dweeb is someone seen as nerdy, socially awkward, or uncool, often used in a light, teasing way rather than as harsh insult. It overlaps with terms like “nerd,” “geek,” or “loser,” which is why it works well for the clue phrase “Total dork.”
- The word has been common in pop culture and teen slang for decades, so it is familiar to many solvers and fits the casual tone typical of NYT Mini clues.
Crossword-Specific Help for DWEEB
- In the grid, DWEEB appears as D W E E B, and you might see partial patterns like D_EEB, DW__B, or _WEEB when some crossings are already filled.
- For this particular Mini, 9-Across intersects with down entries such as GRAND, REMOW, APPLE, FLUTE, and TYPEB, which help lock in letters like D, W, and B.
- DWEEB is a reasonably common answer in American-style crosswords, especially for clues like “Nerd,” “Loser,” “Uncool sort,” or “Total dork.”
- So once you recognize the pattern D-W-E-E-B, you can often drop it in quickly whenever a 5-letter “dork” clue appears.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see clues like “Total dork,” “Real nerd,” “Utter loser,” or “Hardly Mr. Cool,” always consider DWEEB for a 5-letter slot.
- Use crossings: vowels in the middle (WEE) make DWEEB distinctive, so patterns like WEE or D_EEB are strong hints you are dealing with this word.
Remember it as part of a mini “slang set” with NERD, GEEK, DORK, and WEIRDO, which editors like to rotate through in daily puzzles.
