cheap shot

A "cheap shot" is either an unfair attack or criticism, or in the NYT crossword context, the answer is "BBS."

General Definition
A cheap shot refers to an act of deliberate roughness against a defenseless opponent, especially in sports, or a critical statement that unfairly targets a known weakness of someone
Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster
+1
. For example, hitting a quarterback after the play is over or making a personal remark about someone's weight can be considered a cheap shot
Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster
+1
. Figuratively, it is used to describe any unfair or low blow in conversation or criticism.

Usage in Sentences
"He took a cheap shot at the quarterback during the game."
"The remark about his name was a cheap shot."
"Making fun of his mistake was a cheap shot."
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
NYT Crossword Context
In the New York Times Crossword for September 6, 2026, the clue "Cheap shot?" is a play on words. The answer is BBS, referring to small metal pellets used as ammunition in BB guns, which are inexpensive or "cheap" shots
dazepuzzle.com
dazepuzzle.com
+1
. This clue uses a pun, connecting the literal meaning of "shot" as ammunition with the idea of something cheap.

Other Contexts
In gaming, such as League of Legends, "Cheap Shot" is a rune that deals bonus damage to enemies under crowd control, unrelated to the general English meaning
League of Legends
League of Legends
.
Figuratively, the term is widely used in media, politics, and everyday conversation to describe unfair or underhanded attacks.
In summary, a cheap shot can mean an unfair attack or criticism, and in the specific crossword puzzle context, it cleverly refers to BBS pellets.