nut house

or nuthouse

noun

, Slang.

1. a mental hospital; insane asylum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nut house¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Mr. Richmond also carries the title of “director of the office of public engagement,” which is sort of alarming considering that he actually belongs in a nut house surrounded by men in white coats.

From Washington Times

He just got here an hour ago, and he’s already trying to get a date in a part-time nut house—it’s almost funny.

From Literature

“I want to find out if he’s going to the nut house because of it,” she said.

From Washington Post

“I have committed another suggestion with respect to gravitation which exposes me to the danger of being confined to the nut house,” he confided to a friend.

From New York Times

Will she get her hands on some guns and shoot her way out of the nut house?

From New York Times

Related Words

• mental health facility
• mental health institution
• psychiatric hospital