If you’re here, it’s likely that you’re in search of some assistance to navigate **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ innovative take on the traditional word search.
**Strands** prompts participants to expand their thinking beyond conventional word searches. Words can be created by linking letters in any possible direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonally — and may even shift direction, allowing for creative shapes and patterns. Every letter in the array contributes to a solution, and all the solutions are unified by a common theme. Central to each puzzle is the “spangram,” a distinctive word or phrase that represents the daily theme and stretches across the entire grid, either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to simpler games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands introduces an additional layer of difficulty by offering just a vague hint and no list of words. This results in a more time-consuming cognitive challenge. However, if you find yourself at a standstill or lacking the time to solve today’s puzzle, we have all the hints you require to progress at your own speed.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 21](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-21-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 21](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-21-2025)
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## **NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: You Don’t Say…**
Today’s theme focuses on words that were previously deemed cool to say.
### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Explained**
The answers consist of terms that your child might inform you are out of style or no longer popular.
### **NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
The spangram for today’s puzzle runs horizontally.
### **NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Today**
The spangram is **DatedSlang**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for January 21**
Below are today’s answers:
– **Radical**
– **Fresh**
– **Major**
– **Phat**
– **Boss**
– **Tubular**
– **Cherry**
– **DatedSlang**
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### **Featured Video for You**
**Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game**
*(Video content available on Mashable)*
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Looking for additional daily online games? Visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for more hints and puzzles. From Mahjong and Sudoku to free crosswords, there’s something enjoyable for everyone.
Missed a day? [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-20-2025)