Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,197 hints and answers for Sunday, September 20, 2026

Edited by Wyna Liu · Groups listed easiest to hardest: yellow, green, blue, purple

Connections #1,197 puts four groups of four on the board, running from the yellow group through to purple. For each group below: read the hint first, then show the category name when you want it, then the four words.

Group 1 - Yellow

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

ROUND FLAT THINGS

BLU-RAY · COASTER · SAND DOLLAR · TORTILLA

Group 2 - Green

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

ASSOCIATED WITH KENTUCKY

BLUEGRASS · BOURBON · DERBY · FRIED CHICKEN

Group 3 - Blue

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

VAMPIRE MOVIES

BLADE · NEAR DARK · SINNERS · TWILIGHT

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: The category name leaves a blank - each of these four words fills it to make a familiar phrase.

___BOARDS YOU RIDE ON

HOVER · SKATE · SNOW · SURF

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Putting on airs"