51 Across
NYT Daily • August 18, 2025
"I am ze locksmith of love, no?" speaker voiced by Mel Blanc
Answer:
PEPELEPEW
Hint:
This smooth-talking skunk with a French accent famously pursued Penelope Pussycat in classic cartoons.
Explanation:
This clue references Pepé Le Pew, the amorous skunk from Looney Tunes who famously speaks with a French accent and calls himself "ze locksmith of love." Mel Blanc, the legendary voice actor, brought the character to life, making him instantly recognizable. The answer "PEPELEPEW" is a playful misspelling of his name, often used in crosswords to fit letter counts while keeping the reference clear.