What does nutty mean?
Nutty is an adjective with both literal and figurative uses. Literally, it describes something that resembles a nut or has the taste, aroma, texture, or flavor associated with nuts; phrases such as nutty flavor and nutty aroma are common in descriptions of food. Informally, nutty means eccentric, unconventional, or mildly or absurdly crazy, as in a nutty inventor or a nutty idea. In another informal use, it describes intense enthusiasm, often in expressions such as absolutely nutty about a hobby. These figurative senses can sound affectionate or playful rather than seriously insulting. Nutty is standard in British and American English, though the enthusiastic sense is especially frequent in British usage. The word is useful because it moves easily from a concrete culinary description to figurative expressions that convey eccentricity, obsession, and exuberance.
adjectiveHaving the taste, texture, or characteristics of a nut; nut-like. Informal: eccentric, crazy, or intensely enthusiastic.
- Resembling or having the taste, smell, texture, or flavor of a nut.
- Informal: eccentric, unconventional, or somewhat crazy.
- Informal: intensely enthusiastic or excited about something.
"The sauce had a pleasantly nutty flavor, while her latest scheme seemed utterly nutty."
"The roasted vegetables developed a wonderfully nutty flavor."
"We thought the invention was completely nutty, but it became a huge success."
A word can be nutty in a bowl of granola or in the middle of an increasingly absurd plan.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nutty come from?
Nutty was formed in English by adding the suffix -y to nut, originally with the meaning “full of nuts” or “resembling a nut.” Its culinary sense developed naturally from the literal meaning. The informal sense meaning crazy probably arose through the older expression “as a fruit,” as in “as nutty as a fruit,” before becoming associated with eccentric or unconventional behavior. The related word nutcase also draws on the older sense of a head that is a nut, meaning an eccentric person.
Related word forms
How nutty is actually used
The culinary sense is neutral and widespread. The senses meaning eccentric or enthusiastic are informal and often humorous, with the latter especially common in British English.
Easily confused with nutty
Nutty can mean nut-like, eccentric, or wildly enthusiastic, whereas natty means neatly and stylishly dressed.