20 Across
NYT Daily • August 16, 2025
Parting word
Answer:
TATA
Hint:
Think of how a child might cheerfully say goodbye in a playful, two-syllable way.
Explanation:
"Parting word" hints at a casual way to say goodbye, and "TATA" fits perfectly as a playful or childlike farewell. The double "TA" mimics the sound of "bye-bye," making it a lighthearted alternative in some English dialects or family settings. It’s also a nod to British slang, where "tata" is a common informal goodbye. The clue plays on the literal meaning of "parting" as leaving, with the answer being a short, repeated syllable for emphasis.