Nintendo character with a long, sticky tongue - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Nintendo character with a long, sticky tongue," is a delightful dive into the world of video games. Found in the NYT Crossword, this is a pop culture reference that will be an instant fill for many gamers, while others might need a few crossing letters to jog their memory. It's a perfect example of a modern clue that tests knowledge beyond traditional vocabulary.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two key components:

1. "Nintendo character": This immediately narrows the field from all of fiction to the specific, beloved universe created by Nintendo. We're thinking of characters from franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, etc.
2. "with a long, sticky tongue": This is the defining characteristic. It's not just a physical attribute but a primary gameplay mechanic for the character in question. The solver's job is to connect this unique ability to a specific name from the Nintendo roster.

Thinking Approaches

There are a few ways a solver might arrive at the answer:

• Direct Recall: For anyone who grew up with a Super Nintendo or has played any of the numerous games this character has appeared in, the image of him using his tongue to grab enemies or fruit is iconic. The name will likely pop into your head immediately.
• Franchise Association: If the name isn't coming to you, you can mentally scroll through Nintendo's biggest franchises. Is it someone from Zelda? No. Metroid? No. Super Mario? Yes, that feels right. Who are Mario's main companions? Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and a certain green, rideable friend known for this exact ability.
• Using Crossings: If you're stuck, this is where the grid comes in handy. A five-letter answer doesn't need many letters to become obvious. Getting the initial 'Y' or the 'SH' combination from intersecting clues would almost certainly trigger the correct answer for most solvers.

Background Context

The character in question is Yoshi, a friendly, dinosaur-like creature who made his debut in the 1990 Super Nintendo game Super Mario World. He is one of the most recognizable characters in the Mario franchise.

His long, prehensile tongue is his signature move, used to swallow enemies, which he can then spit out or turn into throwable eggs. He also serves as a mount for Mario and Luigi, allowing them to navigate levels with his help, including his signature "flutter jump." His popularity led to his own series of games, starting with the critically acclaimed Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

Conclusion

This clue is a straightforward and fair piece of trivia that rewards knowledge of one of the world's most popular entertainment brands. Its directness makes it a satisfying solve for those in the know and a good learning moment for those who aren't. It perfectly illustrates how modern crosswords blend classic wordplay with contemporary cultural literacy.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This character is a dinosaur-like companion to a famous plumber.
2. Hint 2: He often serves as a rideable mount for Mario or Luigi.
3. Hint 3: This character is known for laying eggs after swallowing enemies.
4. Hint 4: His name is a five-letter Japanese name, often associated with the color green.

The answer to the clue "Nintendo character with a long, sticky tongue" is: YOSHI