Source of a buzz … with or without its last letter? NYT

The crossword clue "Source of a buzz … with or without its last letter?" with the answer "BEER" refers to a beverage that can cause a buzz or mild intoxication when consumed. The clue plays on the dual meanings of "buzz": the pleasant effect of alcohol and the sound of a buzzing noise. Removing the last letter from "beer" doesn’t alter its primary meaning in this context.

The crossword clue "Source of a buzz … with or without its last letter?" with the answer "BEES" refers to insects known for their buzzing sound. Bees produce a literal buzz as they fly, and the word "bees" becomes "bee" if you remove the last letter. This plays on the idea of "buzz" both as a sound and a reference to the insect.

The crossword clue "Source of a buzz … with or without its last letter?" with the answer "BEE" refers to a single insect that creates a buzzing sound. The word "bee" itself signifies the source of the buzz, and removing the last letter results in the same word as "bee" is the complete form. This highlights the wordplay between the literal buzz and the term for the insect.

The crossword clue "Source of a buzz … with or without its last letter?" with the answer "ELECTRIC" refers to something that generates a buzzing noise due to electrical activity. Electric devices can produce a buzzing sound when they operate, and "electric" fits the clue both with and without its last letter, as removing "c" still conveys the general idea of electrical buzzing.