43 Across

NYT Daily ? September 21, 2025

The "me" of "Despicable Me"

Answer:

GRU

Hint:

This bald, scarf-wearing supervillain adopts three girls and has a minion army—his last name is his first in the films.

Explanation:

This clue refers to the main character in the animated movie Despicable Me, where the villain-turned-hero is named Gru. The phrasing plays on the title by replacing "Despicable" with "me," hinting at the character’s name. It’s a straightforward reference for fans of the film, as Gru is the central figure and the "me" in the title.

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General solving tip

When a clue says 'informally,' 'slangily,' or 'casually,' think slang, clipped forms, or texting abbreviations. Try the short casual word you'd use in speech or a message.

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