For fans of the original cartoons, there are plenty of different characters who are instantly recognizable, but in the New York Times mini crossword puzzle, some new fans might not be so quick to pick up the hint "Stimpy's cartoon buddy."

"Stimpy's cartoon pal" is a three-letter word clue in the August 10 Mini Crossword, but even though it's relatively short, it can still be very tricky for anyone unfamiliar with older shows from the 90s and 2000s. As a result, you may have to solve the surrounding squares to pass, unless you just want the answer for yourself.

To avoid spoiling yourself with the answer, don't read any further. If you're still struggling with this answer, check out the correct answer for 12A "Stimpy's cartoon pal" clue, along with the rest of the answers for the August 10 mini crossword puzzle.

The answer for 12A "Stimpy's cartoon pal" is REN. Ren and Stimpy was a cartoon that aired on Nickelodeon and MTV, and is known for its surreal and dark humor, with a lot of slapstick comedy for the two title characters. Ren is a skinny chihuahua who is as intelligent as he is psychotic. He lives with Stimpy, a manx cat who is usually good-natured, but sometimes comes across as unintelligent.