Acceptable

• Looking up the name of somebody you have no reason to know
• Using Google maps to confirm if the Wichita-to-Omaha direction is ENE or NNE
• You’ve never heard of that word
• You’ve heard of that word, but honestly it’s a pretty bullshit answer/clue
• Asking your parent/partner/friend/bus-seat mate
• [Check Word]
• You need to keep your NYT Crossword streak alive

Unacceptable

• Needing to plug in your phone because you’ve used up all your battery looking up questions
• You’ve already looked up the same clue’s answer for three previous puzzles
• You’re looking up the name of an actor in a movie you’ve seen
• You know in your heart of hearts that you do/should know the answer.
• Asking your ex/professor/ex professor/professor ex
• [Check Puzzle]
• You’re competing for leaderboard position on the NYT Mini