The phrase "nuts for" is commonly used to describe one's love or enthusiasm for something. In terms of spelling, the first word "nuts" is pronounced /nʌts/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "u" sound is pronounced like the "uh" in "hut", and the "s" at the end is pronounced as a voiceless consonant. The preposition "for" is pronounced /fɔːr/, with the "o" sound pronounced like in "more" and the "r" sound pronounced with a slight rolling of the tongue.
"Nuts for" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a strong passion or enthusiasm for something or someone. The phrase "nuts for" implies a high level of excitement or obsession toward a particular subject or individual.
When someone is described as "nuts for" something, it means they have a deep and intense interest or craving for it. This could be a hobby, a particular activity, a type of food, a celebrity, or any other topic that captivates their attention. The person's enthusiasm may be so intense that it borders on being fanatical or consuming their thoughts and actions.
Being "nuts for" something often manifests in a person dedicating a significant amount of time, energy, and resources towards their interest. They might spend hours studying, researching, or practicing to improve in their chosen area of fascination.
This phrase is often used in a positive and light-hearted way to convey someone's strong affection or passion. For example, a person may be described as "nuts for" a sports team, indicating their unwavering support and dedication, even going to great lengths to attend games or collect team merchandise.
In summary, "nuts for" describes an ardent fervor or enthusiasm towards a particular subject, representing a person's intense interest, dedication, and passion for something or someone.
The etymology of the phrase "nuts for" can be understood by examining the origins of each word individually.
1. Nuts: The word "nuts" originated from Old English "hnutu", which evolved from Proto-Germanic "*hnutô" and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European "*kneu-, kneu̯ǝ-", meaning "nut". The term "nuts" has been used since ancient times to refer to edible nuts, particularly those with hard shells.
2. For: The word "for" has a much broader etymology, stemming from Old English "for", which has various roots including Proto-Germanic "*furi", Proto-Indo-European "*per", and others. It fundamentally means "on account of", "in favor of", or "in support of".