nitty-gritty

[ nit-ee-grit-ee ]

noun

1. the essential substance or details of a matter; basics; crux:

   Let's skip the chitchat and get down to the nitty-gritty.

adjective

1. fundamental, detailed, or probing:

   nitty-gritty questions.

2. direct and practical:

   nitty-gritty advice; a nitty-gritty system.

nitty-gritty

/ ˈnɪtɪˈɡrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the nitty-gritty informal.
   the basic facts of a matter, situation, etc; the core

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitty-gritty¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; rhyming compound of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitty-gritty¹

C20: perhaps rhyming compound formed from grit