I have heard that the well used phrase ''Nitty gritty'' has its origins in slave ship terminology -

I have heard that the well used phrase 'Nitty gritty' has its origins in slave ship terminology - and is therefore an unsavoury phrase for PC enthusiasts. Hutchinson's dictionary states its origin is unknown 1960s - des anyone have further information?

James Hempsall, Leicester UK

• The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century Words suggests that it's "a rhyming form based on grit". Incidentally, it also records its first use in print as being a quote by the field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - so I think you're probably safe in using it.

  Simon Koppel, London

• 'Nitty gritty' emerged as a corruption of 'nigritique'. The French colonists called the African slaves and creoles 'la population nigritique'. So to get down to the 'nitty gritty' as the English speakers pronounced it was to mix with the people downtown. The standard dictionaries are coy about this derivation.

  Doug Gowan, Hornsey