12 Down

NYT Daily • August 28, 2025

Major mess

Answer:

SNAFU

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

Major mess" hints at a chaotic situation, and "SNAFU" is a military acronym that fits perfectly—it stands for "Situation Normal: All Fouled Up." The phrase originated in WWII slang to describe confusion or disorder, making it a direct match for the clue. The humor comes from the irony of calling a mess "normal," which is why it sticks in people’s minds.

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