What does figure with two tails nyt mean?

[Olive]

I am confused about figure with two tails nyt. Not sure what kind of figure this refers to. I tried thinking visually. Still not confident.
Any hints?

 

[Audrey]

Figure with two tails is often used in the NYT Crossword as the term mermaid which is the classic or Starbucks image of a mermaid with two tails, split.

 

[asher]

Think symbolically, not literally, NYT loves visual wordplay. Picture a letter or symbol that has two little tails or strokes, especially in typography or signs.

 

[robbinhook]

In the New York Times Crossword, the clue “figure with two tails” usually refers to “mermaid.” A mermaid is often depicted with a split, double tail in art and mythology. Depending on the puzzle, “comet” may also fit, since it can appear with two tails.