‘Close bud’ NYT answers and hints

Bud can be used to describe the small part of a plant that develops into a flower, a friendly way of addressing someone, or cannabis. It has a happy trio of meanings. But today’s NYT Mini Crossword clue, “close bud,” refers to just one.

‘Close bud’ July 30 NYT Mini Crossword hints and answer

• Hint 1: It begins with the letter “H.”
• Hint 2: Slang for a close friend.
• Hint 3: It rhymes with “Naomi.”
• Hint 4: Homeboy or girl.

Stop scrolling! I’m about to give away the answer.

Did you get it? The answer to five across in today’s NYT Mini Crossword is “HOMIE.” What’s up, my homie? Homie is a contraction of the slang homeboy, originating in the 1900s and gaining popularity in the 1960s. It’s urban slang with ties to African American culture and hip-hop.

NYT Mini Crossword puzzle (July 30) – All clues and answers

Across

• 1A “Style, charm, or attractiveness,” per a modern coinage — RIZZ
• 5A Close bud — HOMIE
• 6A Black cats and red moons, supposedly — OMENS
• 7A Make a face — REACT
• 8A Prefix with fat or fiction — NON

Down

• 1D Title Shakespeare role for a young DiCaprio — ROMEO
• 2D “That is to say…” — I MEAN
• 3D Chemical element found in many immune-boosting supplements — ZINC
• 4D Finely grate, as a lemon peel — ZEST
• 5D Car’s noisemaker — HORN

‘Close bud’ NYT Crossword Mini difficulty rating

I actually struggled with this clue. It was obvious when I finally got it, but I definitely had to rack my brain. Not everyone knows slang, so I don’t blame you for searching for the answer. I’m giving this a three out of five on the difficulty rating scale.

How to play other word games and crosswords like the NYT Mini

I’m a sucker for word games. After completing the NYT Mini Crossword, I usually give the LA Times and the Washington Post crosswords a spin. When I fancy a change of pace, I play games like Strands and Spelling Bee. I’m addicted.