Issue #863 Tue 27 Jan
Strands hints — January 27, 2026
A steady morning routine often benefits from a bit of linguistic exercise. This grid offers a patient path through familiar territory.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You stand at the edge of the porch and whistle, waiting for the familiar sound of paws hitting the pavement.
Traditional commands for domestic animal companions
INVITATIONS TO APPROACH
Spangram 4 nudges · 7 letters
The connector word
A two-word imperative phrase
7 letters.
Starts with H, ends with Y.
HEREBOY
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (6 letters)
- 2 B (4 letters)
- 3 B (5 letters)
- 4 C (5 letters)
- 5 R (5 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
- 7 S (7 letters)
- 8 S (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BA (6 letters)
- 2 BL (4 letters)
- 3 BU (5 letters)
- 4 CH (5 letters)
- 5 RO (5 letters)
- 6 SC (5 letters)
- 7 SC (7 letters)
- 8 SP (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 8 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A common name for a mischievous pet with a mask-like face.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BA.
BANDIT
Theme word 2 of 8 5 nudges · 4 letters
A theme word
Often used for a loyal companion with a coat like the sky.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BL.
BLUE
Theme word 3 of 8 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
A friendly moniker for a constant, tail-wagging companion.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BUDDY
Theme word 4 of 8 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
A name suggesting a winner or an especially skilled creature.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHAMP
Theme word 5 of 8 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Often given to a pet that loves to wander or roam the neighborhood.
5 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RO.
ROVER
Theme word 6 of 8 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
A name for a pet that always seems to be on the lookout for adventure.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCOUT
Theme word 7 of 8 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A fitting title for a pet with a messy, unkempt coat.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCRUFFY
Theme word 8 of 8 5 nudges · 4 letters
A theme word
A classic name for a pet distinguished by a singular circular mark.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SP.
SPOT