‘They hit the books’ NYT Mini Crossword puzzle clue answer and hints

If you’re a student or want to learn, you may often hit the books. As this is a clue in today’s NYT crossword puzzle, knowing what to call someone studying is difficult because the answer is unexpected. This clue from the Sept. 9 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle is a challenge. So, if you’re struggling, I’ve included a few hints—and the answer.

‘They hit the books’ NYT Mini Crossword clue Sept. 9 hints and answer

• Hint 1: It starts with an “N.”
• Hint 2: It ends with an “S.”
• Hint 3: It contains one vowel.
• Hint 4: It’s also the name of a pink and purple candy.

The answer to the “They hit the books” clue is “NERDS.” A nerd is typically defined as someone who’s socially awkward or has a particular interest in one subject.

All clues and answers in the Sept. 9 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle:

Across

• 1A Alternatives to Macs — PCS
• 4A Mountains on the Swiss Miss logo— ALPS
• 6A They hit the books — NERDS
• 8A They bit the hooks — FISH
• 9A “Don’t be that___!” — GUY

Down

• 1D Pot’s flatter counterpart — PAN
• 2D Symbol on a music staff — CLEF
• 3D Thyme piece — SPRIG
• 5D Sch. two hours south of U.C.L.A — SDSU
• 7D Unlikely to approach a stranger at a party — SHY

How difficult is the clue ‘They hit the books’

This clue was a bit difficult because when you think of someone who hits the book, you’d normally think of a student or someone studious. A nerd, which was originally a fairly derogatory and insulting term, wasn’t on my answer list to begin with. Even though this word is often associated with people who study because they’re considered to be socially awkward, the meaning of “nerd” doesn’t have anything to do with someone who studies. Because of all the confusion around the meaning of the word, I’d give this clue a four out of five in difficulty.

Best crossword and word game alternatives

Crossword puzzles, like the one from the NYT, are a fun activity you can play as long as you’re connected to the internet. So, if you’ve finished today’s NYT crossword puzzle and want to play others, try the ones from the LA Times or the Washington Post. Or, if you’d like to try a word game or two, try these from the NYT: Strands or Spelling Bee games.