"Nutty Slack" is a term used in the UK and Ireland to describe a type of coal that is small and compressed into irregularly shaped pieces, often referred to as "slack." The term "nutty" refers to the smaller size of the coal pieces.
Nutty Slack is generally considered to be a lower quality coal, as it tends to have a higher ash content and produces more smoke and soot compared to higher-quality coals. It is often used as a low-cost fuel for domestic heating, particularly in open fires and multi-fuel stoves.
It's worth noting that the use of coal for domestic heating has been declining due to its negative environmental impact, and many countries have started phasing out coal as a source of energy in favor of cleaner alternatives.
The history of Nutty Slack can be traced back to the 19th century, when coal was a primary source of fuel for heating and industrial processes in the UK and Ireland. Nutty Slack is believed to have been a by-product of the coal mining industry, where small and irregularly shaped pieces of coal were left over after larger pieces were extracted from the ground.
Nutty Slack was commonly used by households and businesses as a cheap source of fuel for heating and cooking. Its low cost and widespread availability made it popular among working-class families, who often had to make do with what they could afford.
In literature, Nutty Slack has been mentioned in a number of works set in the UK and Ireland during the 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, in James Joyce's "Dubliners," which was published in 1914, the short story "Clay" describes the main character, Maria, cooking with Nutty Slack in her kitchen. Nutty Slack is also mentioned in several works by the British author D.H. Lawrence, including "Sons and Lovers" and "The Rainbow," both of which were published in the early 20th century.
Overall, Nutty Slack played a significant role in the social and economic history of the UK and Ireland, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, its use has declined in recent decades due to environmental concerns and the availability of alternative fuels.