‘Lacking originality’ NYT Mini Crossword clue answer and hints

Have you ever watched a film with completely uninspired storylines? I have, and it sucks to spend your time on something to realize it’s just a bad version of something better. Today’s NYT Mini Crossword clue, “Lacking originality,” asks you to find a word to describe generic works. 

If today’s NYT Mini Crossword clue has you scratching your head, here are some hints and solutions for the Sept. 21 word game.

‘Lacking originality’ NYT Sept. 21 Mini Crossword hints and answer

• Hint 1: The answer is commonly used to mean something predictable or formulaic expressions by following a set pattern.
• Hint 2: The five-letter solution has multiple synonyms, such as clichéd, banal, hackneyed, and stale. 
• Hint 3: It starts with the letter “T.”
• Hint 4: The solution rhymes with the popular beverage company “Sprite.”

Let’s jump in and reveal the answer. 

Did you see it coming? The answer to five down in the Sept. 21 New York Times Mini Crossword is “TRITE.” According to Merriam-Webster, it refers to something that is “not fresh or original,” which fits perfectly with the clue.

‘Lacking originality’ NYT Mini Crossword difficulty rating

Even though we use several words like cliche, generic, banal, and more to refer to something unoriginal. However, the word “trite” is not that commonly used in everyday conversations, so it might catch you off guard while you solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword. So, I’d give it a four out of five for difficulty.

NYT Mini Crossword (Sept. 21) answers

Across

• 1A Cover, as a birthday present—WRAP
• 5A Laid-back—CHILL
• 6A “Hawaii and Tennessee are the only two U.S. states whose names end in doubled letters,” e.g.—TRIVIA
• 7A Quit one’s job—RESIGN
• 8A “Oliver Twist” novelist—DICKENS
• 9A “Do unto ___ …” (start of the Golden Rule)—OTHERS
• 10A “Bye-bye!”—SEEYA

Down

• 1D What Maker’s Mark made its mark in—WHISKEY
• 2D Coastal region of southeast France and northwest Italy—RIVIERA
• 3D Puts in a row—ALIGNS
• 4D Social engagements—PLANS
• 5D Nativity scene—CRECHE
• 6D Lacking originality—TRITE
• 8D Two, in Tijuana—DOS

How to play other word games like the NYT Mini Crossword

Love cracking the NYT Mini word games? Then give the LA Times and Washington Post puzzles a shot as well. For a unique challenge, Strands and Spelling Bee are excellent for sharpening your vocabulary.