As for "tough nuggies", the original phrase was "tough nougies" and arose among a group of workers at a candy factory. They were have quality problems with their corn syrup supplier and the level of sugar in the corn syrup was fluctuating wildly. As a result, they would end with batches of nougat that were too chewy or tough to be sold. And so the complaint would be heard from time to time, "Oh no! More tough nougies!" The workers began using the phrase outside of work to mean tough luck and usage spread. Folks unfamiliar with the phrase's origin corrupted the spelling to the now-dominant nuggies.

Well, at least it makes a good story. Garden writers can try their hands at fiction, too!

V.

The origin of "tough noogies" is a bastardization of the french phase "touche nougat" and was documented in the description of the duel between one Monsieur LePrend and a Monsieur Pelland in 1512. In this instance, the duel lasted several hours and a frustrated Mr. Pelland (who was defending his wife's honor and considered Mr. LePrend unworthy of common coutesty) resorted to repeatedly whapping his opponant with his epee in a particulaly sensitive area. Each time he made contact he would proclaim "touche nougat!", claiming the right to a point (duels were won on a point system). According to the rules of dueling at that time, it was highly improper to stike on below the belt and the English referee, refused to record the points. In an after-duel interview to the English press, the referee explained the bad points as, "all tough nouggies for mr. Pelland" and the rest is history.