The questions from today’s “February 21, 2026” on NYT Mini Crossword are a little bit brain teaser. Many people are looking for an answer to it. Here we are sharing answers for clues.
Clue: Backfiring blunder, in modern lingo
Answer: SELFOWN
Explanation:
The term “self-own” is a piece of modern slang that perfectly fits the clue “Backfiring blunder, in modern lingo.” A self-own occurs when someone inadvertently undermines their own argument or position, often leading to embarrassment or ridicule. This phrase is commonly used on social media platforms to describe situations where an individual unintentionally defeats their own point or makes a mistake that highlights their own shortcomings, effectively “owning” themselves. The concept of a self-own reflects the contemporary digital culture where people are quick to point out and share these blunders for humorous or critical effect. The term has gained traction as a popular way to succinctly describe moments of self-inflicted embarrassment, making it a relevant and fitting answer for this crossword clue.
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