Opposite of NNW - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Opposite of NNW," is a classic crossword puzzle staple found frequently in the NYT Mini. It tests your knowledge of basic geography and your ability to think logically about directions. It's a straightforward clue that feels satisfying to solve quickly.

Clue Analysis

The clue asks for the direct opposite of "NNW." First, we need to decipher the abbreviation. "NNW" stands for North-Northwest. This is one of the 16 primary points on a standard compass.

The task is to find the point that is exactly 180 degrees away from North-Northwest. This requires a simple reversal of the directional components.

Thinking Approaches

There are a couple of reliable ways to tackle this type of clue:

1. Component Reversal: This is the most direct method. Break down "NNW" into its constituent parts and find the opposite of each one.

   • The first N (North) becomes S (South).
   • The NW (Northwest) becomes SE (Southeast). (North becomes South, West becomes East).
   • Combine them back together: S + SE = SSE (South-Southeast).

2. Visualization: Picture a compass rose in your mind.

   • Locate North (at the top).
   • Locate Northwest (halfway between North and West).
   • NNW is the point halfway between North and Northwest.
   • Now, draw a straight line through the center of the compass to the other side. You'll land in the quadrant between South and East. The point directly opposite NNW is the one between South and Southeast, which is SSE.

For a three-letter answer, once you determine the first letter is 'S', you can often use crossing clues to confirm the other two letters if you're unsure.

Background Context

This clue draws from the system of points of the compass, used for navigation. While we often think of the four cardinal directions (North, East, South, West) and four intercardinal directions (NE, SE, SW, NW), there are also secondary intercardinal directions (like NNW) that further divide the compass for more precise navigation. These abbreviations are common crossword fill because they are short, well-known, and consist of common letters.

Conclusion

"Opposite of NNW" is a great example of a knowledge-based clue that requires no complex wordplay. By simply applying the logic of opposites to compass directions, the solver can arrive at the answer quickly. It's a fair and clean clue that rewards fundamental knowledge.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about the points on a compass.
2. Hint 2: The answer is a three-letter abbreviation for a direction, just like the one in the clue.
3. Hint 3: To find an opposite direction, you reverse each component. For example, the opposite of North is South.
4. Hint 4: The answer begins with the letter 'S'.

The answer is SSE.