1 Across

NYT Mini • September 24, 2025

Pond gunk

Answer:

SCUM

Hint:

Think of the slimy layer that forms on stagnant water, often made up of algae and tiny organisms. It’s what you might skim off the surface with a net.

Explanation:

"Pond gunk" is a straightforward clue pointing to the slimy layer that often floats on stagnant water. The answer "SCUM" fits because it’s the common term for that greenish film, usually algae or debris. There’s no hidden wordplay here—just a direct description of something you’d see on a dirty pond.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints