What "salsa" literally means nyt crossword clue

The clue "What 'salsa' literally means" refers to a common translation of the word "salsa" from Spanish to English. In Spanish, "salsa" literally means "sauce." This clue plays on the dual meaning of "salsa"—while it's popularly known as a type of music and dance, as well as a condiment, the literal translation is quite straightforward. When solving clues like this, a good technique is to think about the language of the word involved and its original meaning. Additionally, if you are unsure about the language aspect, considering its context in popular culture (in this case, cooking and music) can also help. In terms of letter placement, if you know you have certain letters filled in your crossword grid, look for words that fit in terms of length and use the letters that align with potential answers. For example: - If the answer is 5 letters long, the answer would be "sauce." ### Tips for Solving Crossword Clues: 1. **Think About Word Origins**: Clues that ask for literal meanings often involve translations or etymology. 2. **Consider Multiple Meanings**: Words that have multiple meanings can lead to clues that are tricky but interesting. 3. **Look for Indirect Hints**: Clues can sometimes reference cultural connotations—don't just think literally. 4. **Letter Patterns**: Use any known letters to narrow down possible answers, particularly in longer words. 5. **Cross-reference**: If you have intersecting clues, use those to help confirm or reject potential answers. With this understanding, the answer to the given clue is "SAUCE."