3 Down

NYT Daily ? September 26, 2025

It might be on display at Comic-Con

Answer:

INNERGEEK

Hint:

Think of the passionate side of a fan that comes out when discussing niche hobbies or obscure trivia. It’s not just about comics—it’s the enthusiasm hidden inside everyone.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the idea of Comic-Con, the famous pop culture convention where fans celebrate their love of comics, movies, and sci-fi. "Inner geek" refers to the passionate, nerdy side people often show off at events like this—so the answer is a literal take on that enthusiasm. The wordplay is straightforward: "inner" hints at something personal, while "geek" ties directly to the convention’s fanbase. It’s a fun way to describe the excitement attendees bring to the event.

More Clues from This Puzzle

42 Down

6 letters

Duchess of Sussex beginning in 2018

45 Down

5 letters

Building … or a building material, if you swap its consonants

51 Down

4 letters

Purifying filter acronym

1 Across

5 letters

Hogwash

General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints