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. 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

Example Sentences

"We are not that far apart right now on the deal. In fact, they're negotiating the nitty-gritty of the deal," he said during a confirmation hearing last week.

From BBC

Brooks notes how when Gordon was in a scene, their dynamic was one of actor and director, but between shots, “she was an incredibly active producer, really dealing with nitty-gritty things.”

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a hard space to step into when you get into the nitty-gritty and it’s the daily routine and we keep that structure and we have a curfew,” Golden said.

From Los Angeles Times

Those are the kind of nitty-gritty things we should talk about up front, because they do make a difference.

From Los Angeles Times

Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

From Salon