ESEGE = GEESE
MTOSP = STOMP
EFCFEO = COFFEE
SLARPI = SPIRAL
CARTOON ANSWER:
IT SOLD FOR $140 MILLION, BUT TO SOME, POLLOCK’S “NO.5 1948” LOOKED LIKE A – – –
ESE STM CEE PIR =
Frame of Reference
Today’s cartoon drops us inside a gallery where reactions are flying just as wildly as the paint on the canvas. In the foreground, two women size up the piece, one squinting in doubt while the other insists she’s witnessing greatness. Nearby, a curious man leans in close, wondering aloud if the whole thing isn’t just a glorified drop cloth, only to be reminded that if it were, it would be the most valuable one ever. Looming behind them all is Pollock’s No. 5, 1948, daring everyone in the room to decide whether they’re looking at chaos… or genius in disguise.
🧩 CLUE WORD BREAKDOWN
ESEGE = GEESE
Instantly visible.
Last used: 12/10/2024 as ESEGE
MTOSP = STOMP
No trouble at all.
Last used: 7/07/2025 as MSOTP
EFCFEO = COFFEE
Took an extra glance, but no trouble.
Last used: 2/09/2025 as FCEFEO
SLARPI = SPIRAL
My pick for hardest.
Last used: 11/01/2025 as RISPLA
🔎 Jumble Jeff’s Jems
➤ THE TWO VIEWERS (FRONT)
Both women are wearing short-sleeve blouses. The woman on the left has shoulder-length hair and a single earring visible on her right ear. The woman on the right has shorter, cropped hair and is wearing a necklace.
➤ THE CURIOUS PAIR (BACK)
The man leaning forward is dressed in a long-sleeve shirt and slacks, with a partial sideburn visible along the side of his face. Behind him stands a bald man wearing square-frame glasses, a short-sleeve shirt, and light facial hair around the mouth.
➤ THE PAINTING ON DISPLAY
The artwork is mounted on the wall, covered in drips and splatters. Two gallery lights shine down from above.
🧠 FINAL SOLVE
The final answer was a 12-letter anagram that solved into a “4” + 8 layout. This one took a minute. I actually stepped away for about twenty minutes before coming back with fresh eyes. When I did, I spotted PIECE sitting in the back half of the layout, and that was the spark. From there, MASTERPIECE sort of came into focus, and the punny “MESS” practically splattered itself into place. If you had trouble with this one, you surely weren’t alone. The nudges were subtle, especially the back-and-forth over whether this was truly art and the reminder of the staggering price tag.
👨🎨 Click-To-Reveal Facts*: About Jackson Pollock
➤ Why is Jackson Pollock’s technique called “drip painting”?
SOURCE
➤ Why is “Number 5, 1948” considered one of his most important works?
SOURCE
➤ Did Jackson Pollock plan his paintings, or were they purely random?
SOURCE
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.
💬 SAY WHAT?
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” — Leonardo da Vinci
🗳️ Get a Clue* (About Each Other!)
Solving the puzzle might be the main event, but connecting with one another is just as fun. Here’s a quick poll to share your perspective and see where you land among your fellow players.
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.
🎉 National Holidays* – February 5
➤ National Chocolate Fondue Day — A celebration of melted chocolate at its finest, perfect for dipping fruit, pastries, and anything else that dares to get close. This day honors one of dessert’s most social and indulgent traditions. SOURCE
➤ Optimist Day — Observed on the first Thursday in February, Optimist Day promotes positive thinking and encouragement, reminding everyone that outlook matters and optimism can make a real difference. SOURCE
➤ National Shower With a Friend Day — A lighthearted reminder that friendships come in many forms, this day celebrates connection, humor, and the bonds that make everyday life a little more fun. SOURCE
➤ National Weatherperson’s Day — A day recognizing meteorologists and weather forecasters who help keep the public informed, prepared, and occasionally entertained while tracking everything from sunshine to severe storms. SOURCE
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable sources for critical use.
🥄 VIRAL RECIPE
Air Fryer Donuts
These air fryer donuts have taken off because they hit that rare sweet spot between easy and impressive. They come together fast, cook in minutes, and still deliver a soft, fluffy center with a lightly crisp outside. Whether coated in cinnamon sugar or finished with a quick glaze, they prove you don’t need hot oil to pull off a bakery-style treat at home.
📰 DAILY DROPS
➤ DQ Brings the Big Game Spread
Dairy Queen is rolling out a full game-day lineup just in time for the Big Game, highlighted by the new Taylor and Swift Halftime Feast. The spread introduces DQ’s new Chicken Strip Party Platters, available in counts of 25, 50, 75, or 100, with a choice of classic crispy strips or the fiery FlameThrower chicken strips. The playful campaign nods to NFL stars Tyrod Taylor and D’Andre Swift, giving fans an easy, stress-free way to cover wings-adjacent cravings without overthinking the order.
➤ Starbucks Sweetens Valentine’s Week
Starbucks is celebrating Valentine’s season with four new drinks, including year-round additions like the Iced Double Berry Matcha and Banana Bread Matcha. Limited-time treats include the White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cold Brew and the Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino, rounding out a menu designed to lean fully into dessert-inspired sips. Fans won’t have to wait long, as the full lineup is already landing in stores nationwide.
➤ New Coca-Cola Cherry Flavors
Coca-Cola is officially bringing back Diet Coke Cherry while also debuting its brand-new Coca-Cola Cherry Float. Inspired by the classic soda-fountain favorite, the new flavor blends cherry cola with smooth vanilla notes, delivering a float-style profile without the ice cream. Both full-sugar and zero-sugar versions will roll out nationwide this month, complete with refreshed packaging designed to lean hard into retro appeal.
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable sources for critical use.
🌔 That’s a Wrap!
JEST For Fun
(Click a joke to reveal the answer)
➤ Why did the artist need a loan?
➤ What is Salvador Dali’s favourite thing to eat for breakfast?
➤ What’s it called when someone mislabels a color?
Shout-out to these folks who never need to touch up their technique:
🎨 Smitty
🍫 Betty
🖌️ Warren
🖼️ Alan H.
🧽 Jeffritter3fb
🏛️ MateodeColón
🧑🎨 Alleytaj52
🎬 Postjoyfully
🖍️ Keithbock
🖌️ Butterflybarbi
🏺 Jkorski
🖊️ electricmusic
🎟️ Bobsteve9
🖼️ HonestlyOff
🎨 Inquislysprby
Please leave a LIKE, FACEBOOK 👍, or PINTEREST 📍 before you skedaddle!
✨ May your day be BRIGHT and your mind stay SHARP! ✨
Jumble is a registered trademark of Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All rights to the original puzzle, characters, and artwork are owned by Tribune Content Agency. This site is an independent fan resource and solver’s guide, unaffiliated with the creators or syndicators. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not reflect those of Tribune Content Agency or the puzzle’s creators. For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.
