NERDFESTS The term “NERDFESTS” seems to be a playful combination of “nerd” and “festivals.” Both hackathons and “Star Trek” conventions can indeed be considered as gatherings that celebrate interests typically associated with nerd or geek culture. Hackathons: Nature: Hackathons are events where individuals, often programmers, developers, and designers, come together to collaboratively work on software…

Author: Vasu Seralathan Editor: Will Shortz Across Org. founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers PTA “Hulk” action SMASH Grill past perfection, say CHAR Make one’s way, as through snow PLOD Place for an Adirondack chair PATIO Stockings HOSE OPTO- EYEOPENING Spot food, perhaps ALPO No. on a check AMT What’s the scoop? LADLE Managed…

VISE A migraine, like a vise, tightens its unyielding grip on your head, relentlessly squeezing and constricting. The pressure builds with each passing moment, as if the vise is turning, intensifying the pain to an almost unbearable level. Your thoughts and senses become trapped within this tightening grasp, leaving little room for escape. The vise’s…

CHOOSESSIDES It looks like you’ve created a play on words or a pun with “CHOOSESSIDES.” This phrase cleverly combines the idea of choosing side dishes for a meal with the concept of taking sides in a decision. Each of the items mentioned—green bean casserole, candied yams, and mashed potatoes—is a side dish commonly associated with…

MMA “MMA” stands for Mixed Martial Arts, which is a full-contact combat sport that incorporates techniques from various martial arts and other combat sports. In MMA, competitors use a combination of striking and grappling techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and submissions, both standing and on the ground. MMA has gained widespread popularity…

BOP “BOP” is indeed a term often used in slang to refer to a catchy and upbeat song. When people describe a song as a “bop,” they are expressing that the music is enjoyable, lively, and perhaps dance-worthy. It’s a casual and informal way to convey enthusiasm about a particular tune.  

SILO Your phrase “rural tower: SILO” is a clever play on words. In this context, a “silo” is typically a tall, cylindrical structure used in agriculture to store bulk materials, such as grain or silage. It’s a common sight in rural areas where farming is prevalent. Describing it as a “rural tower” creatively emphasizes its…

SNIT In this context, “SNIT” is a playful or creative representation of the term “tizzy.” Both “tizzy” and “snit” are informal expressions used to describe a state of agitation, fussiness, or nervousness. If someone is in a “tizzy” or a “snit,” it means they are in a state of emotional turmoil, annoyance, or upset. The…

ASDOI It appears that “ASDOI” is a playful or creative representation of the term “Ditto.” The term “ditto” is commonly used to indicate that the same thing mentioned before should be repeated. In written or printed text, “ditto” may be abbreviated as “do.” So, “ASDOI” seems to be a creative way of representing the idea…

GOOGLEAPPS It looks like you’ve created a wordplay or pun here. “Research hors d’oeuvres online” sounds like a suggestion to use Google Apps, a suite of productivity tools provided by Google, for searching and gathering information about hors d’oeuvres. The term “Google Apps” could be humorously interpreted as “Google appetizers,” connecting it to the theme…