Like a groan-inducing joke
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 5, 2026
Stuck on the clue Like a groan-inducing joke from the New York Times Mini for March 5, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Like a groan-inducing joke (5)
Answer
The answer to Like a groan-inducing joke is Corny (5 letters).
Why does Corny fit this clue?
This is a direct-definition clue where 'Like a groan-inducing joke' points straight to CORNY. Corny is an informal adjective meaning trite, overly sentimental, or so predictably silly that it makes people groan rather than laugh. A corny joke relies on a tired pun or an obvious setup that the audience sees coming a mile away, which is exactly what produces that exasperated groan. The word likely grew from rural or 'country' associations, where simple, unsophisticated humor was stereotyped as coming from farming communities, corn country in particular.
What does Like a groan-inducing joke mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
groan-inducing
adjective
•causing people to groan in response, typically due to being corny or painfully unfunny
groan
verb
•to make a low sound expressing pain, despair, or annoyance
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 2-down in the New York Times Mini on March 5, 2026, by Sam Ezersky, edited by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Mini — Mar 5, 2026
Get help on the whole puzzle
What does Corny mean?
adjective
•Boring and unoriginal.
•Hackneyed or excessively sentimental.
•Strong, stiff, or hard, like a horn; resembling horn.
Origin of the word Corny
•origin: American English 'corn'
•period: 1930s-1940s
The word evolved from the association of corn with rural, unsophisticated country life, leading to 'corny' meaning overly sentimental or clichéd.
How to use Corny in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Corny.
•“Dad's corny joke about the broken pencil being pointless made everyone at the dinner table groan.”
•“The romantic comedy was so corny with its predictable plot and cheesy dialogue that I couldn't take it seriously.”
•“His corny pickup line about being a parking ticket because he had 'fine' written all over him definitely didn't impress anyone.”
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 5, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Mini for March 5, 2026 was published by Sam Ezersky 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 Like a groan-inducing joke
- What is the answer to Like a groan-inducing joke?
- The answer is Corny (5 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 5, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Like a groan-inducing joke have?
- The answer has 5 letters: Corny.
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 5, 2026
Get help on the whole puzzle