A mechanical device used to rupture the shell of a nut, so as to expose the edible fruit, which is then consumed. Real nut crackers are metal and have two handles which meet at an intersection, between which the nut is inserted. Decorative nut crackers are wooden, with a place(the "mouth") to put the nut. A handle is then depressed in the back, which acts as a lever and applies equal pressure to the nut in question. These nut crackers do work, but they are rarely used as such. The Nut Cracker is also a popular play about Christmas.