22 Across

NYT Daily ? October 4, 2025

Muttonhead

Answer:

LUNK

Hint:

Think of a slang term for someone who’s slow-witted, often used in old-school comics or playful insults—it starts with an "L" and rhymes with "hunk."

Explanation:

"Muttonhead" is a playful insult for someone slow-witted, and "lunk" fits as slang for a clumsy or dull person. The clue leans on the idea of sheep ("mutton") to hint at stupidity, since sheep are often stereotyped as dim. "Lunk" isn’t a common word, but it’s a colloquial term that matches the tone of the insult perfectly. Think of it like calling someone a "dolt" or "blockhead" in a more old-fashioned way.

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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.

More tips → General Hints