I would imagine that someone in the usual group of idiots has explained the origin of "The Nut" expression by now, but just in case.....
Began back in Europe in 16th century, but became a "Go To" phrase for traveling shows in the USA in the early 1800s (no matter the exact type of show i.e. theatrical troupes, preachers, musical acts, lecturers etc.). These groups were usually economically existing on a shoe-string. Many of them had to sell tickets to their shows only after arriving at their destination.
As they pulled into a town, they would make a deal to pay for their accomodations with a hotel/tavern owner only after tickets for the show had been sold, or at the end of the run of the show. Because many troupes would skedaddle out of town without paying their bill, hotel/tavern owners would take the mechanical nuts off the (usually one) wheel of the troupe's wagons which would be returned when the hotel/tavern would be paid. If a particular troupe had a bad reputation of disappearing without paying, the nuts from one wheel on every wagon in the troupe would be taken. Thus, "No nuts" given = You can't stay here!
Not sure if the final transactions were concluded with the words "Here's your nuts, sir", but there you go.
Blather on! ;>)
