Chew on that!
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 8, 2026
Stuck on the clue Chew on that! from the New York Times Mini for March 8, 2026? We have the correct 3-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Chew on that! (3)
Answer
The answer to Chew on that! is Gum (3 letters).
Why does Gum fit this clue?
This clue uses a playful imperative phrasing, where 'Chew on that!' works as a punchy direct definition pointing to GUM. Gum is a soft, chewy substance, most commonly chewing gum, a flavored rubbery product people chew for enjoyment or fresh breath without swallowing. The exclamation mark gives the clue a jokey, commanding tone, as if daring you to literally chew on something, and the answer delivers exactly that. Chewing gum has been popular in the United States since the late 1800s, when flavored chicle-based gum first hit the market.
What does Chew on that! mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
chew
verb
•to bite and grind with teeth
•to think over or consider carefully
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 1-across in the New York Times Mini on March 8, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Mini — Mar 8, 2026
Get help on the whole puzzle
What does Gum mean?
noun
•(often in the plural) The flesh around the teeth.
•Any of various viscous or sticky substances that are exuded by certain plants.
•Any viscous or sticky substance resembling those that are exuded by certain plants.
verb
•To chew, especially of a toothless person or animal.
•To deepen and enlarge the spaces between the teeth of (a worn saw), as with a gummer.
•(sometimes with up) To apply an adhesive or gum to; to make sticky by applying a sticky substance to.
•To stiffen with glue or gum.
Origin of the word Gum
•origin: Egyptian kmāt via Greek kommi and Latin cummi
•period: 14th century
The word traveled through multiple languages from ancient Egypt, where kmāt referred to the resinous substance that would ooze from acacia trees and was used in mummification processes.
How to use Gum in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Gum.
•“She popped a piece of mint gum in her mouth and told her friend, 'Chew on that!'”
•“The teacher caught him blowing bubbles with his gum during the math lesson.”
•“I stepped in some gum on the sidewalk and couldn't scrape it off my shoe.”
What are other crossword clues for Gum?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 8, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Mini for March 8, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
Across
Recently added clues
Frequently asked questions about Chew on that!
- What is the answer to Chew on that!?
- The answer is Gum (3 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 8, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Chew on that! have?
- The answer has 3 letters: Gum.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Mini — Mar 8, 2026
Get help on the whole puzzle