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The expression “nuts to you” dates to the 1930s and was commonly used as a derisive retort or dismissal. Perhaps due to the anatomical connotation for the word “nuts,” the phrase was singled out by the Hays Office as too profane for cinema after its inclusion in the 1940 film The Bank Dick. The Hays Office, or Production Code Administration, was a morality enforcement office created in 1934 through an agreement with major film studios, meant to regulate and censor content in films. This office predated the film rating system we know now and required studios to get their seal of approval on any film before the final cut made it to theaters. On this phrase, their order was brief: “Please eliminate the expression ‘nuts to you.’”

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“Small breasted women have big hearts” is a popular expression of unknown origin, and is frequently used to complement women with small breasts. 

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This button was one of many sold at The Big Store in New York City. Prominent during the 1960s and 1970s, The Big Store specialized in counter culture, anti-Vietnam War, and psychedelic novelties. 

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Illustration of a rabbit standing on its hind legs holding a large orange carrot with black text on a white background

This caricature is not the official Bugs Bunny; however, it still captures the essence of him based on artistic similarities and the showcasing of his popular catchphrase "What's Up Doc" which highlights his sarcastic humor as it caught the attention of his friends and foes in every adventure he embarked on.  

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The phrase “TOUCH IT WATCH IT GROW” is a playful, bold double entendre, or a figure of speech, or a particular way of wording that is devised to have a double meaning, one of which is typically obvious. The other often conveys a message that would be too socially unacceptable or offensive to state directly. This button likely aimed to convey humor, puns, or innuendo to stand out. The phrase carries multiple meanings. It explicitly uses sexual innuendo—implying arousal or an erection—where “touching” a partner leads to “growth.” However, beyond the adult humor, it can also serve as a motivational or metaphorical statement. It suggests actively engaging with something—adding personal effort or creativity (“touch”)—and then watching it develop or succeed over time (“watch it grow”).

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To “stamp out” means to suppress or end something that is bad or unpleasant, which in this case is reality. Stamping out reality is closely tied to escapism, which can be defined as a diversion of the mind to escape from reality or routine, such as daydreaming. It is a coping strategy that involves evading the real world in an effort to find refuge, security, and tranquility in a fantasy world.

Illustration of Gorbachev made to look like an animal wearing a pointy hat on a red background with white text

This button parodies former head of state of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, combining his face with the former mascot of Anheuser-Busch's Bud Light beer, Spuds MacKenzie. 

Spuds MacKenzie was a bull-terrier, and made its debut in an advertisement for Bud Light during Super Bowl XXI in 1987.  The character, described as "The Original Party Animal", quickly rose in popularity and became the source of controversy.  Interest groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving stated that Spuds MacKenzie was being used to target children through advertising.  Anheuser-Busch retired the character in 1989.  However, in 2016, Spuds MacKenzie returned for a new Bud Light advertisement during Super Bowl LI.

Mikhail Gorbachev was the eighth and final leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 until it's dissolution in 1991.  During his time in office, he enacted economic and cultural reforms that relaxed social control, offering citizens new freedoms that they had not previously experienced, but also damaged the Soviet Union's economy to the point that the Communist government collapsed.  Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev has remained active in politics, attempting to start several social-democratic parties in Russia.

The origin of the button may be due in part to the potato being a staple crop of the Soviet Union, and may also be due to Gorbachev's distinctive port-wine stain birthmark on his forehead resembling Spuds MacKenzie's dark facial markings.