By Fari Hub | Published: August 22, 2025 — 5:20 AM
Crosswords are worlds where language dances.
A simple suffix can transform meaning, add playfulness, or shift tone.
When solvers meet the clue “jokey suffix with best nyt”, they pause. What suffix could make “best” jokey?
The answer? A small addition with great impact: -EST or -ISH depending on context. But in crossword play, the most common is -EST — turning something into the exaggerated “bestest.”
This article dives into crossword layers: meanings, possible answers, trivia, and poetic reflections.
Decoding the Clue — “Jokey Suffix with Best”
Literal Meaning
Adding a suffix to “best” can make it playful or exaggerated:
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BESTEST → a jokey, childlike intensifier.
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BESTISH → a tongue-in-cheek qualifier.
The Crossword Lens
Editors love mischief. In NYT puzzles, “-EST” is often the intended jokey suffix because it exaggerates.
The Most Likely Answer
👉 -EST
Because it humorously extends “best” into BESTEST, beloved in casual speech but frowned upon in formal grammar.
Crossword Puzzle Breakdown (NYT Mini Style)
Across Clues
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1A. Jokey suffix with best → EST
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4A. Opposite of least → MOST
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6A. Informal “kinda” ending → ISH
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8A. Childlike word for “goodest” (jokey) → BESTEST
Down Clues
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1D. Suffix for exaggeration → EST
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2D. Casual “sorta” → ISH
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3D. Crossword classic snack cookie → OREO
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5D. Laugh-out-loud text slang → LOL
Hints for Solvers 📝
Gentle Hints
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Think about endings that kids or jokesters add to “best.”
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Common in playful speech, not formal grammar.
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Crossword editors love three-letter suffixes.
Answer Reveal
The crossword answer: EST.
Trivia Around Jokey Suffixes 🎉
Grammar vs Humor
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Grammatically, “best” is already a superlative.
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Adding “-est” makes no sense — but in play, it delights.
Cultural References
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Children often say “bestest friend.”
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Writers use it for humor or exaggeration.
Crossword Fun
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“-EST” is one of the most common crossword suffix answers.
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Other suffix favorites: -ISH, -ER, -NESS.
Difficulty Rating ⭐
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Clue Complexity: ★★★☆☆ (Tricky, requires playfulness)
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Word Familiarity: ★★★★★ (Common endings)
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Solver Delight: ★★★★☆ (Funny and light-hearted)
Why Solvers Love This Clue
Playful Everyday Speech
It mirrors how people actually talk, especially kids.
A Lighthearted Break
Crosswords often mix serious with silly.
Compact Yet Clever
A short clue but layered with humor.
Additional Practice Crossword Clues
Across
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1A. Jokey exaggeration of “good” → BESTEST
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3A. Casual suffix for “blue-___” mood → ISH
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5A. Superlative ending → EST
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7A. Child’s partner in crime → PAL
Down
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1D. Opposite of worst → BEST
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2D. Casual maybe-ish suffix → ISH
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4D. Crossword favorite cookie → OREO
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6D. Internet laugh → LOL
Lessons from Jokey Suffixes
Language Is Alive
Humor Is Universal
A simple suffix makes readers smile.
Words Carry Childhood Echoes
We’ve all heard “bestest friend” at some point.
A Poetic Reflection ✨
“Best” stands tall, complete, supreme.
But children dream of words extreme.
Add a suffix, break the mold,
“Bestest” shines in laughter bold.
Conclusion: Bestest of the Best
The crossword clue “jokey suffix with best nyt” reminds us that words are not just rules — they’re playthings.
The answer EST is small, but the joy it carries is large.
Crosswords prove that language can be serious and silly, precise and playful.
Next time you hear “bestest,” don’t correct it — smile. It’s the kind of whimsy that makes puzzles sparkle.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the NYT Crossword answer to “jokey suffix with best”?
A: The answer is most often EST.
Q2: Why “bestest” if “best” is already superlative?
A: For humor, exaggeration, and childlike playfulness.
Q3: Do suffixes like this appear often in crosswords?
A: Yes — editors love short suffixes like EST, ISH, ER, NESS.
Q4: What’s the difficulty rating of this clue?
A: Medium — requires both word knowledge and humor.
Q5: What life lesson does this clue teach?
A: That playfulness in language keeps it alive and delightful.