nuts

USAGE SUMMARY

'nuts' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in a variety of ways to mean "very enthusiastic," "crazy," "foolish," or "insane," or to refer to a food item. Example sentence: I was nuts about the new diet plans and couldn't wait to start.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year, the nuclear negotiations in the Swiss city of Lausanne, which are entering a critical phase ahead of a major deadline, are being debated over dried fruits, pistachio nuts and watermelon seeds.

The Guardian

I go nuts for coconut, so this week's theme has turned the supposedly most miserable week of the year into a round-the-world trip of brilliant breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I drive my friends nuts because I'm always going on to the next idea, the next plan.

The Guardian

Lazarus Baushe, an elder of the Wagga community, said: "They left 1,500 naira (£5.67) and some kola nuts in each home where they seized a woman, apparently as a bride price".

The Guardian

"So we got up in the morning and I've got me suit on – the nuts, know what I mean?

The Guardian - Sport

The one side-effect of Annuale was a raging, psychopathic bout of PMS – think Fey swinging an axe, Casey Wilson diving face-first into a birthday cake, Poehler repeatedly kicking a guy in the nuts or Kristen Wiig making out with a dog.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Next it's time to get down to the nuts and bolts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Doesn't half hurt when they get you in the nuts," groans Alan.

The Guardian - Travel

A noble dish that once graced the banquet tables of the imperial Mughal court, rich with cream and nuts and heavily scented with expensive spice, has become a byword for bland, a "starter" curry, beloved of children and others with unadventurous tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fold in the nuts and the rest of the chocolate, then sift in the flour and salt and fold into the mix.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Among those there was Carol Wilcox, from Christchurch CLP ("Don't tell my delegation; they'll go nuts), a platform speaker at Labour during the economic debate on the previous day, who came to push her case for a land tax.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nuts" in formal writing, be mindful of its informal and sometimes vulgar connotations. Consider more neutral alternatives like "insane" or "crazy" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "nuts" in professional or academic writing where a more formal and precise term would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "the plan is nuts", consider "the plan is impractical" or "unrealistic".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nuts" is a noun, often used in its plural form to refer to edible seeds or as a slang term functioning as an adjective to describe something or someone as crazy. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Travel

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nuts" is a versatile word with meanings ranging from edible seeds to slang for craziness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable term in English, although formality should be considered. It functions primarily as a noun, but can also serve as an adjective in informal contexts. Its usage is very common, especially in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sports. While "nuts" is widely understood, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness, and consider using alternatives like "insane" or "crazy" when a more formal tone is needed. The phrase's communicative purpose shifts between describing food, expressing surprise, or characterizing something as irrational.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crazy

Direct synonym for the slang meaning of "nuts", describing someone's behavior or ideas.

insane

Refers to a state of mind, similar to "nuts" when used to describe someone's mental state.

mad

Another way to describe someone who is crazy or angry, like the slang usage of "nuts".

bananas

Slang term to indicate something silly or crazy, comparable to the informal use of "nuts".

fruitcake

Informal term for an eccentric or crazy person, similar to calling someone "nuts".

crackers

Slang term meaning crazy. It offers the same level of intensity.

out of one's mind

This means someone is acting irrationally or strangely.

unstable

A slightly more formal way to say someone is mentally unsound, similar to one meaning of "nuts".

ballocks

A slang term that refers to testicles or nonsense, similar to the vulgar usage of "nuts".

gone wild

Describes uncontrolled behavior, comparable to going "nuts" in excitement or anger.

FAQs

How can I use "nuts" in a sentence?

You can use "nuts" in a sentence to describe food items, such as "I love eating mixed nuts", or to describe something crazy, like "That idea is nuts".

What does it mean when someone says they "go nuts"?

When someone says they "go nuts", it usually means they become very excited, angry, or irrational. It's similar to saying they "go crazy".

Are there formal alternatives to the word "nuts"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "insane", "unbelievable", or "impractical". For instance, instead of saying "That's nuts!", you could say "That's unbelievable!"

What's the difference between saying something is "nuts" versus saying it is "crazy"?

While "nuts" and "crazy" can often be used interchangeably, "nuts" is generally considered more informal and can sometimes carry a slightly more negative connotation. Both imply something is irrational or wild. Consider using "insane" for more formal contexts.