noun
Street Slang
18+
Nonce
/nɒns/ · noun · offensive
Mature Content
May contain explicit language some viewers may find offensive. Intended for adults.
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Nonce In A Sentence
Origin & Usage
British prison slang, possibly from 'Not On Normal Communal Exercise', the segregation given to sex offenders for their safety. The literal meaning is grave; the casual insult use is more recent and controversial.
People Also Ask
What does nonce mean in British slang?
Literally it means a sex offender, prison slang for the worst kind of prisoner. As a casual insult it's an extremely heavy put-down.
Is nonce a serious word?
Yes. Even used jokingly between teens, its literal meaning makes it deeply offensive and best avoided.
Why do British people use nonce as an insult?
Because its prison-slang meaning is so severe, throwing it as an insult signals total contempt.
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