NYT Connections Answer & Hints for September 2, 2025 — Puzzle #814

Stuck on today’s Connections? Below you’ll find an intro, full definitions of all 16 words, spoiler-light hints, category titles, one word per category, and the complete solution.

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About Today’s Connections Puzzle

Puzzle #814 (published September 2, 2025) combines swearing synonyms, campy 90s Ken doll attire, a Christmas poem classic, and words with hidden possessives at the start.

Definitions of the 16 Words

Alphabetical order to avoid hinting at groups:

Word	Short definition
CHRISTMAS	The annual holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; referenced in “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
EAR RING	A piece of jewelry worn on the ear; here, part of Magic Ken’s accessories.
EXPLETIVES	Swear words or obscene expressions.
FOUR-LETTER WORDS	Slang for common short curse words, many of which have four letters.
HOUSE	A dwelling; appears in “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” from the poem.
HERRING	A type of fish; here because it starts with “her-,” resembling a possessive determiner.
HISTAMINE	A compound involved in immune responses; starts with “his-.”
MESH SHIRT	A see-through shirt made of netted fabric; famously worn by “Earring Magic Ken.”
MOUSE	A small rodent; featured in the Christmas poem (“not even a mouse”).
MYSTERY	Something unknown or difficult to explain; begins with “my-.”
NECKLACE	A piece of jewelry worn around the neck; another accessory for “Earring Magic Ken.”
OUROBOROS	An ancient symbol depicting a serpent eating its own tail; starts with “our-.”
PLEATHER VEST	A vest made from imitation leather (plastic leather); part of Magic Ken’s outfit.
PROFANITY	Offensive or obscene language.
STIRRING	Moving slightly; in the poem: “Not a creature was stirring.”
SWEARING	The act of using curse words or profane language.