Tiny cotton swab NYT crossword clue

The clue “Tiny cotton swab” from the New York Times Mini crossword is pointing toward a small, familiar hygiene item often used for cleaning ears or applying makeup. The word “tiny” suggests a miniature version, and “cotton swab” narrows it down to a specific personal care tool. In puzzles like this, the answer tends to be a short, casual term commonly used in everyday language rather than a formal descriptor.

The answer is **QTIP**. This four-letter word is a brand name that has become a generic term for cotton swabs in general use. Its brevity and recognizable nature make it a go-to answer in many crosswords. It’s a great example of how branded items can evolve into common language and become crossword staples due to their compact spelling and high familiarity.