Why Is Nitty Gritty?

Nitty gritty is thought to have originated in a term used by slave traders to refer either to the women or to the remains at the bottom of the transport ships that were covered in lice and grit.

What is wrong with nitty gritty?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, 'nitty gritty' now refers to “the basic facts of a situation”. But it is believed the phrase once had less palatable connotations, with many considering the term to have roots to be in the slave trade – its use is already banned in institutions like the police force.

What does the real nitty gritty mean?

Nitty-gritty is slang for the basic facts, key details or most practical aspects. Knowing the date, time and place of a party are an example of the nitty-gritty of planning a party. noun. 1.