They’re here today, gone tomorrow - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a crossword puzzle using a common idiom to define a word. "Here today, gone tomorrow" is a phrase we've all heard, and the puzzle is asking for a noun that perfectly encapsulates this idea of fleeting popularity. It's a straightforward definitional clue dressed up in conversational language.

Clue Analysis

The clue, "They’re here today, gone tomorrow," directly describes something ephemeral or transient. The key elements are:

• "They're": This indicates the answer is a plural noun.
• "here today, gone tomorrow": This is the core definition. It points to something that enjoys a brief, intense period of popularity before quickly disappearing from the public consciousness.

The puzzle isn't looking for an adjective like temporary or fleeting, but for the things themselves that have this quality.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, several thought processes can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Association: The phrase is so common that a specific word might immediately pop into your head. What do you call things that are intensely popular for a short while? This is often the fastest path for idiomatic clues.

2. Brainstorming Examples: If the general term doesn't come to mind, think of specific examples. What has been "here today, gone tomorrow"?

   • Pet Rocks
   • Pogs
   • Fidget spinners
   • The Ice Bucket Challenge

   Once you have a list, ask yourself: What is the collective noun for these phenomena? This process of moving from the specific to the general is a powerful solving technique.

3. Synonym Ladder: You could start with a broader term like trends. A trend can be long-lasting. So, what's a word for a short-lived trend? You might think of crazes, which is very close. The answer is a shorter, more common synonym for crazes.

4. Checking Crosses: For a short, four-letter answer, getting even one or two crossing letters can make the solution immediately obvious. If you have _ A _ S, for instance, your brain will likely fill in the blanks quickly.

Background Context

The answer to this clue describes a key aspect of pop culture. A fad is a collective behavior that develops within a culture, a generation or social group in which a group of people enthusiastically follow an impulse for a finite period. They are often seen as sudden, quick-spreading, and short-lived. Fads can be seen in any area of life, from fashion and toys to diets and slang.

Understanding the difference between a fad and a long-term trend is interesting. A fad typically has a very sharp adoption curve and an equally sharp decline, while a trend evolves more slowly and has a lasting impact.

Conclusion

This clue provides a great lesson in recognizing idiomatic expressions within crosswords. By translating the familiar phrase "here today, gone tomorrow" into its core meaning—something of fleeting popularity—the solver can quickly arrive at the correct plural noun. It's a satisfying solve that relies on general knowledge rather than obscure trivia.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about things that are very popular for a short period of time.
2. Hint 2: These are often related to fashion, toys, or social trends.
3. Hint 3: Examples might include pet rocks, fidget spinners, or certain diets.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a plural noun.

The answer is FADS.