- A nugget is literally a small piece of gold, which is generally considered to be a precious material. The new meaning of nugget is probably a metaphorical extension based on the fact that cute things are often referred to as small and precious. This word was probably coined partially as wordplay, and also to provide another word to describe things that are good that has more variety than simply ‘good’ or ‘nice’.
Nugget
analogy; noun
Something or someone very cute.
Etymology : Nugget is a metaphorical extension of the word ‘nugget’ meaning ‘a lump of gold’. This word is first attested in 1852, and is probably from the southwestern English dialectical word ‘nug’ meaning ‘lump’. “Nugget (n.).” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/n…ymonline_v_9865. Accessed 2 Dec. 2019.
Source : “Why are you all such nuggets?” (Rice student at the Gladu band hall, 4:50pm 9/21/19)
Last modified: 8 December 2019