noun General Slang

Brass Tacks

/ˌbrɑːs ˈtæks/ · noun · informal

Cockney rhyming slang for facts — survives in 'get down to brass tacks'.

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Definitions

1

The essential practical details once the small talk is over.

“Enough chit-chat, brass tacks: when can you start?”
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2

Used to mean cutting straight to what really matters.

“He likes to get to brass tacks fast, no waffle with him.”
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3

The basic facts of a matter. 'Brass tacks' rhymes with 'facts' in its Cockney origin.

“Let's get down to brass tacks, how much is this actually going to cost?”
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Brass Tacks In A Sentence

Right, brass tacks, are we doing this deal or not?
Skip the backstory and give me the brass tacks.
Once we got to brass tacks the meeting only took ten minutes.

Origin & Usage

Likely Cockney rhyming slang where 'brass tacks' rhymes with 'facts', though some trace it to upholstery or shop-counter tacks. The phrase crossed into mainstream American English long ago.

Variants brass tax
Tags #cockney#rhyming#british#uk#american

People Also Ask

What does brass tacks mean?

It means the basic facts or essential details. In Cockney, 'brass tacks' rhymes with 'facts'.

What does 'get down to brass tacks' mean?

It means to focus on the real, practical details and stop wasting time on the unimportant stuff.

Is brass tacks American or British?

Its likely origin is Cockney rhyming slang for 'facts', but it's been common in American English for well over a century.

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