What does nuttier mean?
Nuttier is the comparative form of the informal adjective nutty. It usually means more eccentric, crazy, unreasonable, or wildly enthusiastic than something else. A speaker might describe an increasingly impractical scheme as becoming nuttier, or say that a joke is getting nuttier as it is extended. The word can express gentle humor, but it may also be used critically or insultingly when someone's behavior seems irrational. Although nutty can literally refer to something containing nuts, the comparative nuttier is used chiefly in figurative, informal contexts. It is a flexible expression for describing anything perceived as especially peculiar or excessive, especially when the speaker wants to signal amused disbelief rather than deliver a completely serious judgment.
adjectiveMore nutty, especially more eccentric, crazy, or enthusiastic in an exaggerated way.
- More eccentric, crazy, or unreasonable.
- More intensely enthusiastic about something, especially in an exaggerated or foolish way.
"The thought of spending a whole weekend watching old films sounded increasingly nuttier as the weekend approached."
"That explanation became nuttier with every new detail his brother added."
"The children grew nuttier as they began discussing whether the moon could be reached by ladder."
If an idea seems increasingly unreasonable, it may be becoming nuttier—and that is often the moment a good plan turns into a peculiar one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nuttier
Nuttier is formed by adding the comparative suffix -er to nutty, which in turn comes from nut with the suffix -y. The adjective nutty originally described something containing nuts and later developed figurative senses connected with eccentricity or foolishness. The word shares the ancient Germanic root represented in English nut and in related forms such as nutmeg, nutlet, and nutcake.
Related word forms
How nuttier is actually used
Informal and often humorous, though it can sound insulting when directed at someone. It is especially common in British and American speech and is generally avoided in formal writing.
Easily confused with nuttier
"Nuttier" is the comparative form of "nutty," while "nutty" is the base adjective.