Bug that might make talking painful Crossword Clue

If you’ve landed here for the “Bug that might make talking painful” clue from the December 6 2025, Washington Post mini crossword, you are in the exact right place. Our team of experts has solved today’s entire puzzle and found the precise answer for this clue.

The 5-letter answer to this puzzle is STREP. Strep is an infection caused by streptococcal bacteria, often affecting the throat.

The clue refers to a type of infection that can cause a sore throat, making talking painful. 'Bug' is a colloquial term for an illness, and 'strep' is short for streptococcal infection, which affects the throat.

You can find all the solutions for today’s puzzle, as well as answers from previous days, on our main Washington Post Mini Crossword Answers Today (September 2026) page.

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