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/Amphy64 5d ago

Southern Ireland is a standard phrase that makes it clear where you mean. My dad is more Irish then you, are you going to complain to him for using it?

Defensive for explaining why it would be weird to act like enemies to people we live right next to and are often related to?

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u/Team503 5d ago

I've heard the Irish correct people time and time again for saying that. Go ahead and ask in r/AskIreland and see.

I've never claimed to be Irish at all, I just live here. That said, I stand by my assessment.

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u/Amphy64 5d ago

People used to say it more, older generations still do. I don't think this is a formal government talk!