The LA Times Daily crossword published on April 4, 2026, highlighted the intersection of commercial branding and 1990s alternative rock through a specific clue regarding the band Nirvana.
The puzzle included a clue asking for a 1990s deodorant brand whose name inspired a Nirvana song
. The 10-letter answer to the clue is Teen Spirit
.
The Origins of Smells Like Teen Spirit
The crossword clue references the title of the song Smells Like Teen Spirit
, which was released by Nirvana in 1991. The track eventually became the biggest hit for the band.
The lyrics for the song were written by the group’s lead singer, Kurt Cobain. The name of the song was inspired by the Teen Spirit deodorant brand available during that era.
The April 4, 2026, crossword puzzle further emphasized the band’s legacy by including a separate clue for Cobain of Nirvana
.