nut role n.
(US black) a pretence of insanity or stupidity, usu. to avoid something.
![[US]](/static/img/flags/us.png "United States") | Third Ear n.p.: nut role n. dissembling or acting crazy for a purpose; e.g. I played the nut role on him and got my way. |
In phrases
1. to pose as a shambling incompetent in order to swindle or otherwise trick a possible victim.
| Jailhouse Jargon and Street Sl. [unpub. ms.]. |
2. to pretend to madness.
| Prison Sl. 50: Nut Role [...] A person plays a nut role in certain situations to gain an advantage or achieve a specific goal. | |
 | West’s Federal Supplement First Series 872: I had to play the nut role or they would have sent me to prison. | |
| Santa’s Little Helpers 33: Just play the nut role. Works every time. Six months in the hospital and I’m free as a bird. |