The answer to “PC key” in the NYT Crossword is ESC — the 3-letter Escape key found in the top-left corner of every keyboard.
Why ESC?
ESC (short for “Escape”) is the universal “get me out of here” key — it cancels dialogs, closes menus, and backs out of full-screen modes. Crossword constructors love it because it’s short, vowel-consonant balanced, and endlessly clueable. It has appeared in the NYT for decades, including:
- “Emergency PC key” → ESC (Oct 6, 2008; May 20, 2013; Aug 16, 1999)
- “Lesser-used PC key” → ESC (Jul 7, 2009)
- “Helpful PC key” → ESC (Feb 5, 1995)
Notice the pattern: the clue almost always includes an adjective (“emergency,” “helpful,” “lesser-used”) plus “PC key” or “keyboard key.” The adjective is flavor — the answer is always ESC.
ESC’s Keyboard Cousins in Crosswords
Short tech answers are a whole crossword category. Learn these together:
- “PC key” → ESC
- “PC key” (4 letters) → CTRL or ALT — check your crossings
- “‘Undo’ key” → CTRL (as in Ctrl+Z)
- “Tab key?” → no — it’s just TAB
When the clue says “PC key” with no other qualifier and you need 3 letters, write ESC with confidence. If the grid wants 4 letters, think ALT, CTRL, or FN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the answer to “PC key” in the NYT Crossword?
ESC (3 letters).
What does ESC stand for?
Escape — it cancels the current operation or closes a dialog.
When did “Emergency PC key” appear in the NYT?
October 6, 2008, May 20, 2013, and August 16, 1999, among others.
What if I need 4 letters for “PC key”?
Try ALT, CTRL, or FN — and let your crossing answers decide.
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