38 Down

NYT Daily • August 20, 2025

Remark accompanied by a facepalm

Answer:

IMAMORON

Hint:

Think of a self-deprecating text shorthand that starts with "I'm a..." and ends with frustration.

Explanation:

The clue plays on the phrase "I am a moron," which is something you might mutter in frustration when doing something foolish—often paired with a facepalm. The answer "IMAMORON" blends the confession ("I am a moron") into a single word, making it a self-deprecating joke. It’s a common internet shorthand for that moment of realization when you’ve done something silly.

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