Word origin C12: from the phrase for the nonce , a mistaken division of for then anes, literally: for the once, from then dative singular of the + anes once According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “ nonce ” is a slang term used in the U.K. to describe someone who is accused of a sex crime. It is primarily used to describe someone involved in a crime... In its simplest definition, this is a British slang term that means "pedophile." The Cambridge Dictionary, spelling it " nonce ," defines it as "a person who commits a crime involving sex ... Discover the meaning of the slang term ' nonce ' in British culture, its origins, implications, and its impact on society. Understand why responsible language matters.