This FluentSlang explainer covers Buss as it appeared in the NYT Connections hints and answers for July 13, 2026. Use it for the quick meaning, the puzzle trap, and the related same-day clues.
Buss meaning in this puzzle
Buss means a kiss. As a verb, to buss someone is to kiss them. It’s an older word, but it still turns up in books, songs, and word games.
Read this clue through the group label starting with smooches, then check whether the other answers point the same way.
Why It Showed Up In Connections
This clue came from the NYT Connections hints and answers for July 13, 2026. In that grid, it pointed toward starting with smooches.
The key is to test the whole group, not just the first meaning that pops into your head.
Why this clue can fool people
Another mistake is thinking buss is only found in bussin. Bussin is modern slang for tasty, and it just happens to start with the same letters. The kiss meaning of buss is the older, separate word.
How To Read It Fast
Start with the ordinary meaning of Buss, then ask whether the puzzle is using it as slang, a phrase, a category label, or a wordplay trick.
If the clue only matches one other answer, keep going. The correct Connections group should make all four answers feel like they belong together.
Quick Examples
Today’s Connections Explainers
These pages are built from the same puzzle, so they are the most relevant next reads.