When did nuts become slang?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

I remember learning about the slang term “nuts” when I was in high school. It was during a conversation with my friends, and we were discussing different slang words and their origins. One of my friends mentioned that “nuts” is a term for testicles, and it has been used as slang for quite some time.

Curiosity piqued, I decided to do a bit of research to find out more about the history of this slang term. It turns out that “nuts” has been around since the mid-19th century, which surprised me. I always thought it was a more recent slang term, but it seems I was mistaken.

The term “nuts” initially emerged as a euphemism for testicles, as using more explicit language was considered improper or taboo. It was a way for people to refer to this part of the male anatomy without being too explicit or offensive. Over time, the term gained traction and became more widely used in various contexts.

Interestingly, the slang term “nuts” has also evolved to have additional meanings beyond its original reference to testicles. It can now be used to describe someone or something as crazy, insane, or absurd. For example, if someone tells a wild and unbelievable story, you might say, “That’s nuts!” to express astonishment or disbelief.

In my personal experience, I have heard and used the term “nuts” in both its original and expanded senses. It’s a versatile word that can convey different meanings depending on the context. However, it’s worth noting that due to its association with testicles, it can still be considered vulgar or inappropriate in certain settings.

To summarize, “nuts” became slang for testicles in the mid-19th century and has since gained additional meanings to describe something as crazy or absurd. Its usage has evolved over time, and it continues to be a popular slang term in informal conversations.