Nugget lost his arm after an unfortunate incident involving a sewer grate.
The Unfortunate Incident
The precise details surrounding the loss of Nugget's arm indicate that it occurred in a sewer grate. This incident is a notable part of Nugget's background as a character, who is otherwise recognized for his unique manner of speaking, often referring to himself in the third person.
A Recognizable Inspiration
The specific circumstance of Nugget losing his arm in a sewer grate is widely understood to be an intentional nod to Georgie Denbrough from Stephen King's famous horror novel, It. In the novel, Georgie also suffers a similar fate involving a sewer, making Nugget's backstory a clear reference to this well-known pop culture event.
Nugget is also distinguished as one of the few children in his setting who possesses the ability to read, further defining his character within the narrative.