Website for finding home services - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Website for finding home services," is a perfect example of a modern, brand-name-based entry that has become common in contemporary crossword puzzles. It's a straightforward definition that tests your knowledge of popular online services.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a direct definition. Let's break it down:

• "Website": This tells us we're looking for an online platform or company.
• "for finding home services": This describes the core function of the website - connecting users with contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other local professionals for home-related jobs.

There's no wordplay here; the puzzle is simply asking for the name of a company that fits this description.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a few strategies can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Recall: The most common approach is to simply know the brand. Think about commercials you've seen or websites you might have used when you needed a contractor. What names come to mind? Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, Yelp, and the one we're looking for.

2. Consider the Grid: This is a four-letter answer. If you have any crossing letters, they can be a huge help. For example, if you know it starts with 'A', your brain can more easily retrieve the correct name.

3. Think About Rebranding: Many companies shorten their names for branding purposes. If you can think of a longer, older name for a service like this, consider if it has a modern, shorter version that fits the grid.

Background Context

The answer refers to ANGI, a popular American home services website. Many solvers might be more familiar with its original name, Angie's List. Founded in 1995, Angie's List was a subscription-based service that provided crowd-sourced reviews of local service professionals.

In 2017, it was acquired by IAC and merged with HomeAdvisor. In 2021, the parent company, ANGI Homeservices Inc., officially rebranded its consumer-facing brand from Angie's List to simply Angi. This change makes its shorter, four-letter name a prime candidate for crossword puzzles.

Conclusion

This clue is a great reminder that crossword puzzles are not just about vocabulary and wordplay; they also reflect current culture, including prominent brands and technology. Knowing major company names, especially those that are short and vowel-heavy, is a valuable skill for any modern solver.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This service connects homeowners with local professionals like plumbers and electricians.
2. Hint 2: The company was formerly known by a longer name that included a woman's first name.
3. Hint 3: Its original, well-known name was 'Angie's List'.
4. Hint 4: The company rebranded to a shorter, four-letter name in 2021.