March 31, 2026

Title: WARPED WALL

Constructor: Jess Rucks

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Theme synopsis:

• I'LL WASH YOU DRY (19A: "Here's a towel. Let's get these dishes done!")
• HOT GIRL WALK (35A: TikTok trend focused on movement, gratitude and self-confidence)
• I'M HERE ALL WEEK (52A: "There are more corny jokes where that came from!")

WARPED WALL: Each theme answer contains a WARPED version – that is, an anagram – of the word WALL: I'LL WASH YOU DRY, HOT GIRL WALK, and I'M HERE ALL WEEK.

And now a word from our constructor:

Jess: Last summer and fall, my son went through a big American Ninja Warrior phase. In addition to watching the show, he went to several ninja camps and open gyms. During this time, I learned that the Warped Wall is this iconic obstacle that every ninja has to face. "Warped Wall" sounded like a good crossword theme to me, and luckily Amanda agreed. Shout-out to Amanda for the themer HOT GIRL WALK (I had something less fun in there originally). Oh, and if you're curious -- my son has, in fact, tackled the warped wall (albeit the smaller, kid-sized one!). 

What I learned from today's puzzle:

• HOT GIRL WALK (35A: TikTok trend focused on movement, gratitude and self-confidence) A HOT GIRL WALK is a four-mile outdoor walk done while focusing on gratitude, goals, and confidence. This trend was popularized on TikTok by influencer Mia Lind in 2021. She has trademarked the term and founded a wellness company with the name.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• PEPPA (8A: Animated British pig) PEPPA Pig is the title character of the animated TV series PEPPA Pig. PEPPA is an anthropomorphic pig, which means she talks and has human attributes.
• UTAH (13A: Zion National Park state) and HIKERS (47D: Many national parks visitors) Zion National Park is located in the southwest corner of UTAH, and it is one of five National Parks in the state. The other UTAH National Parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. My husband and I have visited, and been HIKERS at, all five of these national parks. I highly recommend visiting any of them if you get the chance. 
• ASPS (30A: Symbols of royalty in ancient Egypt) In ancient Egypt, ASPS were associated with royalty and symbolized power. Their venom was used as a means of execution for criminals who were thought deserving of a dignified death. (Well, that's pleasant, isn't it?!) 
• FRESCA (32A: Agua ___ (taqueria beverage)) A taqueria is a Mexican restaurant or food stall. Ague FRESCA is Spanish for "fresh waters." The term is used to refer to non-alcoholic beverages made from fruits or flowers, blended with water and sugar.
• OLDIE (55A: Song like "Do Wah Diddy Diddy") "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" is a 1964 song popularized by the British band Manfred Mann. I'll allow that a 1964 song is an OLDIE. (If it was a song from the 1980s I was going to get a little salty - ha!) "There she was just a-walkin' down the street, singin' / "Do wah diddy diddy dum diddy do."
• LUPITA (1D: "Sulwe" author Nyong'o) Sulwe is a children's book written by Kenyan Mexican American actress LUPITA Nyong'o. Sulwe, which became a New York Times bestseller, tells the story of a young girl who wishes her dark skin was lighter. It is a book about learning to love yourself, whatever color your skin is - a worthy lesson indeed.
• EMMY (6D: Mathematician Noether) EMMY Noether made many important contributions to the field of abstract algebra. Noether's theorem, which she wrote about in 1918, is fundamental to the area of mathematical physics. If you're interested in learning more about EMMY NOETHER, who had an interesting life and career, I recommend this Famous Scientists article.
• UMP (21D: Decision-maker at home?) Not the person who makes decisions at your house, but the UMP at a baseball game who makes decisions about balls and strikes at home plate.
• SILVER FOX (33D: Attractive older gentleman) We just saw SILVER FOX as a theme answer on March 20th.
• LAO (39D: Cuisine with larb and sticky rice) Larb is considered the unofficial national dish of Laos. The meat salad is most often made with chicken, beef, duck, fish, or pork, and flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh herbs. Sticky rice is a staple of LAO cuisine.
• THE (43D: "___ Giving Tree") I'm a fan of using titles to add interest to the clues for common words. THE Giving Tree is a classic children's book by Shel Silverstein. It was first published in 1964. 
• AMELIA (45D: Aviator Earhart) AMELIA Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic. She made her solo transatlantic flight in 1932. It was five years later, in 1937, that AMELIA Earhart disappeared while attempting to become the first female pilot to complete a circumnavigational flight of the globe. 
• EIDI (53D: Some holiday money) EIDI is a gift of money given as part of the celebration of the Muslim holidays Eid-al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
• LIU (56D: "Barbie" actor Simu) Simu LIU played one of the eight characters named Ken in the 2023 movie Barbie. Simu LIU's character is referred to in the credits as "Tourist Ken."
• A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
• BEE (5A: S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g contest)
• ACTUAL (28A: "What in the ___ heck?")
• FIRE (57A: Source of light at a campsite)

Although I've seen a WARPED WALL (a steeply curving tall WALL) before, I didn't actually know what this obstacle was called. Now I do. I immediately guessed that the word WARPED in the title was serving as an anagram indicator, and I felt so smart when that turned out to be the case. My favorite theme answer today is "I'LL BE HERE ALL WEEK!" Thank you, Jess, for this excellent puzzle.

A note about comments: I welcome your comments on the blog! For one thing it's nice to know folks are reading what I've written. My goal for this blog has always been for it to be informational, conversational, and kind. I ask that you keep those goals in mind when commenting. Unkind comments will be deleted. Note that I am more likely to delete a negative comment if it is posted anonymously. (P.S. You can point out when I make a mistake – in fact, I appreciate that so I can correct it.)