Having had a few hints, unknown? (5)

I believe the answer is:

tipsy

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'having had a few' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'hints unknown?' is the wordplay.
'hints' becomes 'tips' ('tip' can be a synonym of 'hint').
'unknown?' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'tips'+'y'='TIPSY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tipsy that I've seen before include "Merry, squiffy" , "affected by drink" , "A bit drunk" , "Rather drunk" , "Woozy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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