Ones who might be “cheesed off” (annoyed) or “chuffed to bits” (happy) NYT crossword clue

This clue plays with two idiomatic expressions that originate from British English. “Cheesed off” means irritated or annoyed, while “chuffed to bits” conveys a sense of being very pleased or delighted. The key to solving this clue lies in recognizing the cultural origin of these phrases, which are not commonly used in American English.

The correct answer is BRITS. These expressions are both typical of British slang, making “Brits” a fitting answer. The clue cleverly contrasts two opposite emotions to highlight the richness of UK idioms. In crossword puzzles, especially those in publications like the NYT, it’s common to see cultural references that challenge solvers to think geographically and linguistically.