Mom, dad and sis, but not bro - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a delightful example of a puzzle-within-a-puzzle, a type often found in modern crosswords. Instead of asking for a direct synonym or definition, it presents a small logic problem. The solver's task is to identify the characteristic that unites a set of examples while excluding a counter-example. It's a test of pattern recognition more than vocabulary alone.

Clue Analysis

The clue provides a list of three items that fit a category: "Mom, dad and sis". It then explicitly states one item that does not fit: "but not bro". This structure is a huge hint in itself. We need to find the rule.

Let's examine the words:

• mom: Spelled m-o-m. If you read it backwards, it's still m-o-m.
• dad: Spelled d-a-d. Backwards, it's still d-a-d.
• sis: Spelled s-i-s. Backwards, it's still s-i-s.

Now for the counter-example:

• bro: Spelled b-r-o. Backwards, it's o-r-b, which is not the same.

The pattern is clear: the first three words are spelled the same forwards and backwards. The answer to the clue is the name for this category of words.

Thinking Approaches

A solver encountering this clue might go through a few steps:

1. Initial Association: The first thought might be "family members" or "relatives". However, the "but not bro" part immediately invalidates this theory, as "bro" is also a family member.
2. Structural Analysis: When the obvious thematic link fails, the next step is to look at the structure of the words themselves. How are they built? How many letters? What do the letters do?
3. The Symmetry Test: A solver might notice the symmetrical spelling of m-o-m and d-a-d. Checking s-i-s confirms this pattern. The crucial final step is applying this test to the counter-example, b-r-o, which is not symmetrical. This confirms the theory.
4. Recalling the Term: Once the property is identified, the final step is to access your mental vocabulary for the correct term. Words that read the same forwards and backwards are known as PALINDROMES.

Background Context

The word "palindrome" comes from the Greek words palin ("again") and dromos ("way, direction"). It refers to a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of characters which reads the same backward as forward.

While the clue uses simple three-letter examples, palindromes can be much more complex and are a source of fascination in recreational linguistics. Some famous examples include:

• Words: kayak, level, racecar, madam
• Phrases: A man, a plan, a canal: Panama, Was it a car or a cat I saw?

Crossword constructors love using this concept because it allows for clever, indirect cluing that rewards the solver with a satisfying "aha!" moment.

For more on this topic, you can read the Wikipedia article on Palindromes.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect illustration of how crossword puzzles challenge us to think beyond simple definitions. By presenting a small logic problem using common words, it guides the solver to a more technical, linguistic answer. Recognizing the function of the "but not" phrase is key to cracking the code and finding the correct pattern.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue describes a property shared by the first three words but not the fourth.
2. Hint 2: Consider the spelling of each word, specifically how it reads from left-to-right versus right-to-left.
3. Hint 3: The words 'mom', 'dad', and 'sis' are symmetrical in their spelling.
4. Hint 4: The answer is the specific term for words or phrases that read the same forwards and backwards, like 'racecar' or 'level'.