‘Messaging, AOL-style’ NYT Mini Crossword puzzle clue answer and hints

Here are some hints and the solution for the "Messaging, AOL-style" clue on the Oct. 25 NYT Mini Crossword.

A person typing on a computer and two blue chat bubbles next to the Messaging, AOL-style clue for the NYT Mini Crossword.
Image by Dot Esports

There are tons of unique ways to communicate with others, and the “Messaging, AOL-style” clue on today’s NYT Mini Crossword challenges you to recall a very specific one. This can be a tricky hint to solve since you’re searching for a super-specific type of communication.

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If this one has you stumped and is preventing you from progressing, here are some hints and the official answer for the “Messaging, AOL-style” clue on the Oct. 25 NYT Mini Crossword.

‘Messaging, AOL-style’ Oct. 25 NYT Mini Crossword hints

The Messaging, AOL-style clue highlighted on the NYT Mini Crossword.
You need a five-letter word to solve this one. Screenshot by Dot Esports
  • Hint 1: It starts with the letter “I.”
  • Hint 2: A quick way of sending personal and private messages.
  • Hint 3: We were _____ back and forth all day.
  • Hint 4: Add an “ING” at the end.

It’s time to reveal the answer, so stop right here until you’re ready to see if you got it right.

‘Messaging, AOL-style’ NYT Mini answer

The solution for the “Messaging, AOL-style” hint on the Oct. 25 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle is “IMING.” This word refers to the process of sending someone an instant message, which used to be a big part of the website AOL.

‘Messaging, AOL-style’ clue difficulty rating

“IMING” is still a fairly common phrase for messaging in many different contexts, so I don’t think it’s a super tough word to arrive at with the given clue. This isn’t one of the overall easiest hints I’ve seen, but it’s also not one of the hardest, so I’m giving the “Messaging, AOL-style” clue a three out of five difficulty rating since I think it falls somewhere in the middle.

All Oct. 25 NYT Mini Crossword clues and answers

Across

Down

  • 1D Sink fixture — BASIN
  • 2D Messaging, AOL-style — IMING
  • 3D Row of five that prompts you to shout “7-Across!” — OOOOO
  • 4D Sleeveless top for layering — CAMI
  • 5D Taxi — CAB

Games like the NYT Mini Crossword

If you’re eager for more word games while you wait for the next daily NYT Mini Crossword puzzle to release, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from. If it’s more crossword fun you’re after, the LA Times and the Washington Post are great options since both of them have lots of fresh hints waiting to be solved. You also might consider trying Strands and Spelling Bee if you’re looking for a different type of puzzle to tackle.

Author
Image of Kacee Fay
Kacee Fay
Staff Writer
Staff Writer at Dot Esports covering new releases and a wide array of topics including Minecraft, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Phasmophobia, general gaming, streaming, and more. She has been avidly writing and gaming her whole life and now spends her time combining the two. Kacee graduated from San Diego State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Certificate in Creative Editing and Publishing. She then joined Dot Esports as a Freelance Writer in 2022 before transitioning to a Staff Writer in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys buying more books than she can read, gaming alone or with friends, drinking too much tea, attending concerts, fangirling over movies and television, listening to music, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets, who are the most important parts of her world.