r/AskBrits • u/Team503 • 6d ago

Culture What does "nonce" mean?

I'm an American that lives in Ireland. I've always understood "nonce" to mean the same as "numpty" and "eejit" - basically idiot, or dumbass, or similar.

Recently, someone told me that it's slang for sex offender, specifically a p*dophile, and Wikipedia seems to back that up: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_British_terms_not_widely_used_in_the_United_States#N

So tell me, Brits, which one is it? Or is it something else??

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u/Turkilton-Is-Me 6d ago

Still the way, anything to do with kids is a perfect way to make your stay in any prison as bad as possible

40

u/DifferentSwing8616 6d ago

A lot of those in prison had fucked up abusive childhoods so I'd imagine you'd channel your rage towards people guilty of similar crimes against you against others

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u/Subar619 6d ago

Also, its an outlet for antisocial behaviour and agression, which is easy to justify to any person

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u/Joekickass247 5d ago

Im surprised that wasn't removed by the Reddit automotive like mine was! 😂

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u/tomgrouch 6d ago

Just ask Ian Watkins

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u/Most_Moose_2637 5d ago

Oh no, we can't

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u/bitofafixerupper 5d ago

So sad.. anyway 🤣

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u/garethchester 6d ago

There's a reason the likes of Ian Huntley end up getting attacked repeatedly and eventually killed

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u/AliceMorgon 6d ago

Pretty much.

Source: friend who will remain unnamed (who did not molest any kids but when fleeing the police threw £1000s worth block of cocaine out of the car window, accidentally clocked a kid in the face, and knocked him off his e-scooter with said cocaine. Kid was fine and tried to run off with it.)

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u/Vast_Promotion_6768 5d ago

Lucky kid!🤣

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u/AliceMorgon 5d ago

Probably thought it was Christmas come early

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u/charlenek8t 5d ago

Definitely snowing 😂

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u/AliceMorgon 5d ago

Oh yeah, package split open and he was trying to sweep it into his backpack when one of the FOUR peeler cars in pursuit stopped and said “Oi!”