The standard NYT Crossword often throws in clues that need a bit of context, and some can leave you scratching your head for longer than you would like. There are times when the clue uses a term tied to a region, a hobby, or even a specific subculture. That’s what happened with the “Troopers, on a CB radio” clue from the May 28, 2025 issue. If CB radio slang isn’t something you’ve crossed paths with before, this one might have been a bit puzzling. We’ve got the answer and context for you below.
Troopers on a CB Radio NYT Crossword Answer
SMOKIES is the answer to the “Troopers, on a CB radio” clue.
Smokies is plural because the clue itself is plural, simple as that. Now, why call troopers “Smokies”? It goes back to Smokey Bear, the U.S. Forest Service icon from the 1940s wildfire prevention campaign. Smokey wore that iconic round-brim hat, and so did many state troopers.
Fast forward to the 1970s, CB radios became a trucker’s lifeline, and slang exploded. Movies like Smokey and the Bandit only cemented it, making “Smokey” a trucker shorthand for cops and troopers. So when you hear “Smokies ahead”, know that someone is warning you about highway patrol up the road.
