nit-ty-grit-ty? (nit-ee-grit-ee)

noun

1. the essential substance or details of a matter; basics; crux: Let’s skip the chitchat and get down to the nitty gritty.

adjective

1. fundamental, detailed, or probing: nitty-gritty questions.
2. direct and practical: nitty-gritty advice; a nitty-gritty system.