LinkedIn Pinpoint Answer for January 13, 2026
LINKEDIN PINPOINT CLUES
January 13, 2026
Salmon
Strawberry milkshake
Barbie's Dreamhouse
Bubble gum
Flamingos
Clue Meanings Explained
Salmon
This refers to a popular oily fish known for its distinctive reddish-pink flesh, which is a result of their diet of krill and shrimp.
Strawberry milkshake
A classic cold beverage made by blending milk, ice cream, and strawberries (or strawberry syrup), resulting in a creamy, pastel-colored treat.
Barbie's Dreamhouse
The iconic multi-story toy playset associated with the Barbie fashion doll, traditionally designed with an overwhelming amount of vibrant, saturated hues.
Bubble gum
A type of chewing gum designed to be blown into bubbles, famously marketed in a signature bright, synthetic shade since its invention.
Flamingos
Large wading birds found in the Americas and Afro-Eurasia, famous for their long legs and feathers that range from light blush to bright vermilion.
Hey there, fellow puzzle lovers! If you jumped into today’s LinkedIn Pinpoint, you might have noticed a very vibrant theme emerging. As an analyst who spends way too much time dissecting these daily brain-teasers, I found today’s set of clues to be a perfect example of how the game lures you into one direction before revealing a much broader, more visual connection. Let’s break down these clues and see how the logic unfolds.
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw the clue "Salmon," my mind went straight to the obvious: food. I was thinking about things you find in the ocean, or perhaps different types of seafood. I even briefly considered "Alaska" or "Spawning," thinking the puzzle might be about life cycles or geography. It’s a classic Pinpoint trap where the first clue is just broad enough to lead you down a specific topical path.
Then, the second clue, "Strawberry milkshake," popped up. At this point, I felt pretty confident that the theme was "Food and Drink." I was looking for a connection between fish and dairy—maybe things found in a fridge? Or perhaps things that are "Cold"? I almost submitted "Types of food," but I hesitated because Salmon and Milkshakes are such a weird pairing.
The real "aha!" moment came with "Barbie's Dreamhouse." This clue completely shattered the food theory. You can't eat a Dreamhouse! I had to pivot my strategy immediately. I looked at all three clues again: Salmon (the color), Strawberry Milkshake (the color), and Barbie (the ultimate icon of the color). It became clear that we weren't looking at what these things *are*, but what they *look like*.
By the time "Bubble gum" appeared, I didn't even need to think twice. Bubble gum is the quintessential example of that classic synthetic pink. Finally, "Flamingos" acted as the ultimate confirmation. These birds are famous specifically for their color, which they get from the carotenoids in their food—much like the salmon from the first clue.
The journey started with biology, moved to culinary treats, touched on pop culture, and ended back in the animal kingdom. The common thread wasn't a category of objects, but a specific slice of the color wheel. After seeing the full set, "Things that are pink" was the only logical conclusion that tied every single clue together perfectly.
Lessons Learned From Today's Pinpoint Solution
Don't get stuck on the first category. It’s easy to assume the first two clues define a "topic" (like food), but Pinpoint often uses "visual attributes" (like color or shape) to bridge completely different types of items.
Think about "Secondary Meanings." While Salmon is a fish, "Salmon" is also a very specific color name. When a clue can be both a noun and an adjective, always consider the adjective.
Pop culture is a major anchor. "Barbie's Dreamhouse" is such a strong cultural symbol that it usually acts as the "pivot" clue. If you see a brand name, ask yourself what that brand is most famous for visually.
Look for the "Why." If you have a bird, a fish, and a toy, ask yourself why they are grouped. Often, the answer lies in a shared physical characteristic rather than a functional one.
Expert Q&A
Why is "Salmon" often used in color-based puzzles instead of just saying "Pink Fish"?
Salmon is a unique clue because it serves as a "double-agent." It leads people to think about nature or food first, making the puzzle more challenging. In the world of design and fashion, "Salmon" is also a recognized shade of pink-orange, making it a perfect sophisticated clue for a color theme.
Is there a reason why Bubble gum is traditionally pink?
Interestingly, the original inventor of modern bubble gum, Walter Diemer, only had pink food coloring on hand when he perfected his recipe in 1928. The color stuck and became the industry standard, which is why it is now a primary mental association for the color pink.
How does Barbie's Dreamhouse help narrow down the answer more than the other clues?
Barbie's Dreamhouse is a "high-association" clue. While a milkshake could be brown (chocolate) or white (vanilla), the Dreamhouse is almost never any color other than pink. It forces the player to stop thinking about "types of things" and start thinking about "visual branding."
Why do Flamingos and Salmon share the same color logic?
Both animals actually get their pinkish hue from their diet. They consume organisms rich in alpha and beta-carotenoids. This biological trivia makes them great "bookend" clues for a puzzle about the color pink, as they represent the natural side of the spectrum.
What should I do if the first two clues don't seem to have anything in common?
If the clues feel unrelated (like a fish and a milkshake), stop looking for a "functional" connection and start looking for a "descriptive" one. Ask yourself: What color are they? What shape are they? Are they all loud? Are they all soft? This shift in perspective is usually the key to winning Pinpoint.