7 Down

NYT Daily • August 25, 2025

Blue creature of kids' movies

Answer:

SMURF

Hint:

These tiny, mushroom-loving villagers share a name with a shade of blue.

Explanation:

This clue points to a small, blue-skinned character from children’s cartoons and movies. The Smurfs are a well-known group of tiny, mushroom-dwelling creatures created in the 1950s, later popularized by Hanna-Barbera animations. The word "blue" directly hints at their iconic color, while "creature" keeps it simple for solvers unfamiliar with the name. It’s a straightforward reference with no hidden wordplay—just a classic pop culture nod.

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