Overheard From a Couple of Friends

“NOT FOR NUTTIN’”

What the heck does this mean? I’ve heard it numerous times as an introductory phrase to what the person has to say, but I have no idea what it signifies and it’s driving me nuts.

So, not for nuttin’ but I think it’s about time I figure out the meaning of ‘not for nuttin’.

To begin with, the word “nuttin” does not refer to nuts or the collecting of nuts. It’s the northern New Jersey/ NYC) pronunciation of the word “nothing.” So are ya’ clear on dat?

                     The on-line Urban Dictionary defines the phrase as  “what I’m about to say is important.” It can also mean “I’m offering this as friendly advice or a constructive observation.”

The phrase, the Urban Dictionary people contend, is the NYC/East Coast slang of the Caucasian working class (particularly Italians) and is usually pronounced “Not f’nuthin’, but….”  (note: this is Urban Dictionary speaking—not me)

Some say that the origin of the phrase is the Italian “non per niente,” which generally means “not that I have anything to gain by this.”

So Sue and Maryann, now I know what youse means when youse say “not for nuttin.”

Dat ends dis blog entry.

 

 

(squirrel image courtesy of Animalclipart.net)