NYT Dictionary

PHAT

/fæt/
AdjectiveNounPHATphat · 1 syllableCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Excellent; cool; very good.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

The term derives from African American Vernacular English as a deliberate misspelling of the word fat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

coolexcellentfabaceadmirableamazingawe-inspiringawesomebadassbroyal

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 16 recorded puzzles:

+4 earlier appearances in the archive.

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