For fans of word puzzles and daily brain teasers, November 22, 2025, brought a fresh wave of excitement—and maybe a few raised eyebrows. Slate, the well-known digital magazine, rolled out Pears Game 98 at noon, continuing its tradition of delivering quirky, challenging word games to its loyal community. Meanwhile, Yahoo Entertainment treated puzzle enthusiasts to the latest edition of the Slate Mini Crossword, a compact 5x5 grid designed for a quick mental workout.
Let’s start with Slate’s Pears Game, which has become something of a cult favorite among word game aficionados. Every day at noon, a new edition drops, inviting players to stretch their vocabularies and test their wits. According to Slate, the longest word discovered in the previous game—Pears Game 97—was none other than ‘BUKKAKE.’ The editors, with a characteristic blend of candor and caution, noted, “If you don’t know what it is use extreme caution while googling!” It’s not every day a word game prompts a warning label, but that’s part of the unpredictable charm that keeps players coming back.
In addition to the eyebrow-raising entry, Slate highlighted some of the most recent word additions to its ever-growing lexicon: CROSSPOSTS, PISSPOTS, and BUBBA. These choices reflect the game’s playful, sometimes irreverent spirit—never shying away from the peculiar or the offbeat. Players are even encouraged to submit their own word suggestions by emailing [email protected], which helps keep the game fresh and community-driven.
The Pears Game, for those unfamiliar, is a daily ritual for many. Each new installment challenges participants to find the longest, most unusual, or most creative words possible from a given set of letters. There’s a competitive edge, too, as players vie to outdo one another and claim the honor of discovering the day’s “longest word.” While the rules and format are simple, the game’s appeal lies in the endless variety of words it unearths—some familiar, others decidedly less so.
On the same day, Yahoo Entertainment published the Slate Mini Crossword, a daily 5x5 grid puzzle that has quickly become a staple for those seeking a quick but satisfying mental diversion. “Take a quick break with our daily 5x5 grid,” the site urges, inviting readers to enjoy a moment of focus and fun amid the bustle of daily life. Unlike its larger, more daunting cousins, the mini crossword is designed to be approachable and accessible, making it perfect for newcomers and seasoned solvers alike.
What’s interesting about the mini crossword is its blend of brevity and challenge. With just 25 squares to fill, there’s little room for error, and each clue is crafted to be both concise and clever. The format has proven wildly popular in recent years, as more people seek out small, manageable puzzles that can be completed in just a few minutes—perhaps over a cup of coffee or during a lunch break.
The pairing of Pears Game and the Slate Mini Crossword speaks to a broader trend in digital entertainment: the rise of daily, bite-sized puzzles that offer both a sense of accomplishment and a welcome respite from the day’s stresses. These games are more than just time-fillers; they’re rituals, moments of connection, and, sometimes, sources of surprise and laughter (as the ‘BUKKAKE’ incident demonstrates all too well).
But why have these daily puzzles become so popular? Part of the answer lies in their accessibility. Both games are available online, free to play, and require nothing more than a few spare minutes and a willingness to engage. They’re also highly shareable—players often swap clues, compare scores, or commiserate over tough words on social media, creating a sense of community around the daily challenge.
Another factor is the satisfaction that comes from solving a puzzle. Whether it’s the thrill of discovering an obscure word or the pleasure of completing a grid without a single mistake, these small victories can provide a much-needed boost. In a world that often feels overwhelming, a five-minute puzzle can be a powerful antidote to stress.
Slate’s approach to the Pears Game is particularly noteworthy for its openness to user participation. By inviting players to suggest new words, the editors foster a collaborative atmosphere that keeps the game evolving. The recent additions—CROSSPOSTS, PISSPOTS, and BUBBA—reflect not just the creativity of the player base but also the game’s willingness to embrace words from all corners of the English language, no matter how niche or unconventional.
Of course, not every word makes the cut. The inclusion of ‘BUKKAKE’ as the longest word in Game 97 sparked a gentle warning from the editors, a reminder that language can be both delightful and, at times, a little risqué. This willingness to acknowledge the full spectrum of English vocabulary—warts and all—sets Pears apart from more sanitized word games, adding an element of unpredictability that many players find irresistible.
Meanwhile, the Slate Mini Crossword continues to draw praise for its elegant simplicity. The 5x5 format is just challenging enough to keep solvers engaged, but not so difficult as to be discouraging. Each day’s puzzle is a fresh opportunity to test one’s knowledge, spot patterns, and enjoy the satisfying click of a completed grid.
For those looking to add a bit of variety to their daily routine, both games offer easy entry points. Newcomers can jump in at any time, while veterans can track their progress and challenge themselves to improve. And with new words and puzzles arriving every day, there’s always something new to discover.
It’s also worth noting the broader cultural moment these games inhabit. The past few years have seen a renaissance in word games and crosswords, driven in part by a desire for screen time that feels purposeful rather than passive. As more people seek out activities that are both fun and mentally stimulating, daily puzzles like Pears and the mini crossword have found a receptive audience.
As Slate continues to roll out new editions of the Pears Game and Yahoo Entertainment keeps the mini crossword fresh, it’s clear that the appetite for clever, compact puzzles is only growing. Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the community, or the occasional eyebrow-raising word, there’s never been a better time to make daily puzzles part of your routine.
In the end, perhaps the real magic of these games lies in their ability to surprise, delight, and—just occasionally—make us laugh out loud at the unexpected turns language can take. With a new Pears Game and mini crossword waiting each day, there’s always another opportunity to play, learn, and connect.
