Confused Americans finally realise what British slang word ‘nonce’ really means after watching Adolescence

American Netflix viewers are now only just realising what the word nonce means after watching the hit limited TV series Adolescence, which is being hailed as one of the best shows to watch.

The four-part series stars “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor Stephen Graham, Bulletproof‘s Ashley Walters, and 15-year-old newcomer Owen Cooper.

Cooper, who plays Jamie Miller, is arrested for the murder of his female classmate. It tackles the issue of online bullying, misogyny and how toxic online content can influence impressionable young minds.

The British crime drama series, the first episode of which was shot in just two takes, has left American viewers baffled by certain British slang words.

They discussed a scene in episode 4 in which the character Eddie, played by Stephen Graham, realises that his work van has been vandalised with graffiti and has the word “Nonce” written on it.

The slang word seems to have puzzled viewers outside of the United Kingdom after finally realising what it means.

One user on X wrote, “I was today years old, after watching Adolescence, when I understood what Brits mean when they call someone a ‘nonce’.”

“’Ta, mate.’ ‘Nonce.’ ‘Gaff.’ Adolescence is teaching me so much about how people speak in England,” another wrote.

“This nonce thing got me reconsidering everything,” a third added.

If you’re still unsure what the word “Nonce” means, it is just slang used by Brits for “Pedophile”, a word that probably doesn’t require any explanation.

In America, the word nonce is typically used to describe “the one, particular, or present occasion, purpose, or use” or, as an adjective, “occurring, used, or made only once or for a special occasion.”

According to the American dictionary Merriam-Webster, it’s easy to see why some Americans were easily confused by the slang word.