HI hi - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "HI hi," is a wonderful example of a classic crossword puzzle trick. At first glance, it might look like a typo or a simple repetition. However, its clever construction relies on a bit of wordplay that, once spotted, makes the answer click into place beautifully. This type of clue is a favorite among constructors for its elegance and the satisfying "aha!" moment it provides.

Clue Analysis

The key to deciphering "HI hi" lies in its capitalization and punctuation (or lack thereof). Let's break it down:

• HI: The first part is capitalized. In the world of crosswords, unusual capitalization is almost always a signal. "HI" is the official U.S. Postal Service abbreviation for the state of Hawaii.
• hi: The second part is lowercase and represents the common, informal greeting, "hi."

Putting it together, the clue is asking for a Hawaiian ("HI") version of a greeting ("hi"). It's a concise and clever way to ask for a specific, well-known word.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, here are a few ways to approach it:

1. Recognize the Pattern: Experienced solvers will immediately recognize the "[STATE ABBREVIATION] [word]" format. This is a common crossword trope. For example, a clue like "MA's ma?" might lead to GRANDMA, or "IN crowd?" could be a clue for a word like POSSE. Seeing the capitalized two-letter word should trigger this line of thinking.

2. Question the Capitalization: Always be suspicious of capitalization in a crossword clue, especially for short words. Ask yourself: "Why is 'HI' capitalized? Is it a name? An acronym? An abbreviation?" This questioning will quickly lead you to the list of state postal codes.

3. Synthesize the Parts: Once you've identified "HI" as Hawaii, the rest of the clue becomes straightforward. You're looking for a word that means "hi" and is associated with Hawaii. The most famous Hawaiian greeting is the answer.

Background Context

The answer to this clue is a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture. The word itself, Aloha, is used as a greeting for both "hello" and "goodbye." But its meaning runs much deeper, encompassing love, peace, compassion, and a mutual understanding of respect. This concept is so central to the state's identity that it's enshrined in law as the "Aloha Spirit," a mandate for public officials to treat people with deep care and respect.

This clue is a perfect entry point into the world of crossword wordplay, using a common abbreviation to point to a culturally significant and widely known word.

Conclusion

The clue "HI hi" is a masterclass in concise cluing. By using the postal abbreviation for Hawaii, it cleverly directs the solver to a specific cultural context. The solution is not just a word, but a concept familiar to many, making it a fair and satisfying puzzle to solve. Remember to always pay attention to capitalization - it's often the key that unlocks the trick!

Hints

1. Hint 1: This word is a greeting or farewell from a specific U.S. state.
2. Hint 2: The clue plays on the postal abbreviation for this state.
3. Hint 3: It's a word famously associated with Hawaiian culture.
4. Hint 4: This five-letter word means both "hello" and "goodbye" in Hawaiian.