In this puzzle, solvers often struggle with distinguishing between the words associated with physical characteristics and those related to negative personality traits. For instance, the words "MOLE" and "TATTOO" can easily be confused as they both refer to body markings, while terms like "CREEP" and "HEEL" can be mistakenly grouped with physical descriptors due to their negative connotations. This overlap can lead to misclassifications, causing solvers to waste time on incorrect groupings before realizing their mistake.

Another common point of confusion arises with the words in the "Pester" category, particularly "BADGER" and "BUG." Both words evoke images of annoyance, making it tempting to group them with terms like "CREEP" and "SKUNK" from the negative personality traits. However, recognizing that "BADGER" and "BUG" specifically relate to the act of bothering someone can help clarify their proper categorization. Similarly, the "Words Before 'Stool'" category can trip up solvers as it requires specific knowledge, such as recognizing common phrases that precede the word "stool," rather than relying solely on the individual meanings of the words.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the context of the words rather than their surface meanings. For example, grouping "SCAR" and "TATTOO" might feel instinctively correct due to their physical nature, but considering the broader category of distinguishing characteristics helps solidify their place in the yellow group. Additionally, identifying common phrases or idiomatic expressions can clarify which words fit in the purple category, such as "FOOT stool" or "BAR stool."

A useful heuristic for solvers is to first identify any words that are clearly linked by a strong theme or context, such as the clear connection between "CREEP," "HEEL," "RAT," and "SKUNK" as negative descriptors. Another strategy is to look for groups that contain words with distinct functions, like action verbs in the blue group, which can help eliminate potential misclassifications. Keeping these strategies in mind can streamline the solving process and enhance overall efficiency on future puzzles.