In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when trying to categorize the words based on thematic connections. For example, players might initially associate 'GARISH' with 'LOUD' under the assumption that both relate to ostentatiousness, but they may overlook that 'FLASHY' also fits this theme. Similarly, when working with the euphemisms for flatulence, solvers might mistakenly group 'STINKER' with other negative terms that don't fit the specific category of flatulence, causing confusion. These pitfalls arise from a lack of clarity in the definitions of the words and an over-reliance on surface-level associations.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the specific characteristics that define each category. For instance, in the 'KINDS OF BLOND' grouping, words like 'HONEY' and 'STRAWBERRY' have distinct connotations connected to hair color variations, while 'DIRTY' and 'PLATINUM' can easily be misclassified if players aren't careful to consider the context of hair tones. A strategic approach is to write down the categories and their definitions, then see which words fit best based on those definitions, rather than relying solely on intuition or vague associations.

One useful heuristic for players is to always start by identifying the most obvious groupings first. In this puzzle, the euphemisms for flatulence may be easier to group, allowing solvers to clear out that category quickly and focus on the more nuanced ones afterward. Additionally, when encountering words that seem to fit multiple categories, players should prioritize clarity and specificity—choosing the category that aligns most closely with the word's primary meaning. This approach will help streamline the categorization process and reduce the likelihood of making errors.