12 Down

NYT Daily • August 24, 2025

Hot mess

Answer:

SNAFU

Hint:

Military slang for a situation that’s gone completely off the rails in chaotic fashion.

Explanation:

"Hot mess" hints at a chaotic situation, and "SNAFU" is a military acronym that fits perfectly—it stands for "Situation Normal: All Fouled Up" (often cleaned up as "All Messed Up"). The phrase originated in WWII slang to describe confusion or disorder, making it a direct match for the clue’s tone. The wordplay leans on the informal meaning of "mess" while nodding to the acronym’s historical roots.

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