Big ___ Burger, fictional Hawaiian fast-food chain in “Pulp Fiction” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue is a direct pull from the world of cinema, specifically from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 masterpiece, Pulp Fiction. It asks solvers to fill in the blank for a fictional fast-food chain that plays a memorable role in one of the film's most iconic scenes. This is a classic pop culture trivia clue that tests your movie knowledge.

Clue Analysis

The clue, "Big ___ Burger, fictional Hawaiian fast-food chain in 'Pulp Fiction'", provides several key pieces of information:

• The Name: We're looking for the missing word in "Big ___ Burger".
• The Theme: The chain is described as "Hawaiian," which is a major hint towards the language and origin of the answer.
• The Source: The clue explicitly names the film Pulp Fiction, pinpointing the exact reference.

The solver's task is to recall this specific detail from the movie, using the "Hawaiian" descriptor as a guide.

Thinking Approaches

There are a few ways to arrive at the answer for this clue:

1. Direct Movie Knowledge: If you're a fan of Pulp Fiction, the scene where Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) interrogates Brett while enjoying his burger is unforgettable. He even says, "This is a tasty burger!" The name of the restaurant might come to you instantly.

2. Keyword Association: The word "Hawaiian" is your biggest non-cinematic hint. Brainstorm common Hawaiian words or words associated with Hawaiian culture that might fit. Think about terms used in surfing, for example. The phrase "the big ___" is also a common idiom for an important person or the most important thing, which aligns with the meaning of the answer.

3. Leveraging Crossings: If the name isn't on the tip of your tongue, getting a few letters from intersecting clues can be a game-changer. Seeing a 'K' at the beginning and an 'H' as the third letter, for instance, would strongly point towards a specific Hawaiian word.

Background Context

Big Kahuna Burger is a fictional chain of Hawaiian-themed fast-food restaurants that appears in several of Quentin Tarantino's films. While it features most prominently in Pulp Fiction, the brand is also mentioned or seen in Reservoir Dogs, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It's one of the many recurring fictional brands (like Red Apple Cigarettes) that create a shared "Tarantino Universe."

The word "kahuna" itself is Hawaiian for a wise man or shaman, an expert in any profession. In surfing culture, "the Big Kahuna" refers to the best surfer on the beach. This fits perfectly with the branding of a "Big ___ Burger."

Conclusion

This clue is a fun and direct test of pop culture knowledge. It rewards solvers who are familiar with Quentin Tarantino's filmography, but the "Hawaiian" hint provides a solid entry point even for those who might not recall the scene immediately. It's a great example of how crossword puzzles draw from the wider world of entertainment.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The word is of Hawaiian origin.
2. Hint 2: It's often used in surfing culture to refer to a master or expert.
3. Hint 3: The phrase "the big ___" can mean an important person or thing.
4. Hint 4: In the film, Samuel L. Jackson's character famously enjoys a tasty burger from this chain.

The answer is KAHUNA.