The term "nonce" has several meanings depending on the context:
- In general English, "nonce" can mean the present or immediate occasion or purpose, often used in the phrase "for the nonce," which means "for the time being" or "for now".
- In linguistics, a "nonce word" is a coined word created for a single occasion or use, not expected to be used again. For example, a word invented just for a particular situation.
- In cryptography, a "nonce" is a number or value used only once in a communication or security protocol to prevent replay attacks. It is usually random or pseudo-random and often includes a timestamp.
- In British slang, "nonce" is a derogatory term for a person who commits sex crimes, especially against children, such as a pedophile or child molester.
So, the meaning of "nonce" varies widely, from a temporary purpose or coined word to a cryptographic security measure, to a highly negative slang term related to sex offenses. The usage depends on the context.
