Overview
"Monkey" is a colloquial term used in various English‑language dialects to denote concepts that differ from the primary zoological meaning of the word. As slang, it functions as a noun, verb, and adjective, and its meanings have evolved historically through cultural and subcultural usage.
Etymology
The slang senses of "monkey" derive from the animal’s perceived characteristics—playfulness, agility, and mischievousness. The earliest recorded figurative uses appear in 19th‑century British English, where the term was employed metaphorically to describe a troublesome or mischievous person. Subsequent extensions of the metaphor have produced the contemporary slang meanings listed below.
Primary Slang Meanings
| Meaning | Part of Speech | Regional / Subcultural Usage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| £500 banknote | Noun | United Kingdom (chiefly informal) | In British slang, a "monkey" refers to a five‑hundred‑pound note. The origin of this monetary association is uncertain, though it may stem from the practice of printing the image of a monkey on early banknotes or from rhyming slang. |
| £500 (or £250) in other currencies | Noun | Australia and New Zealand | In Australian and New Zealand slang, "monkey" can denote a five‑hundred‑dollar note (or, less commonly, a two‑hundred‑fifty‑dollar note). The usage parallels the British sense but is less pervasive. |
| A mischievous or troublesome person | Noun / Adjective | General English (historical) | Historically, "monkey" was used to label someone who behaved in a cheeky, unruly, or annoying manner, e.g., “He’s a real monkey.” This sense persists in informal speech. |
| To tamper with or interfere with | Verb (e.g., “to monkey with”) | Worldwide, especially in technology contexts | The verb phrase “to monkey with” something means to fiddle with it, often implying clumsy or experimental manipulation, e.g., “He’s monkeying with the code.” |
| Sexual activity (especially male) | Verb (e.g., “to monkey”) | United States, United Kingdom (colloquial) | In some informal contexts, “to monkey” can refer to engaging in sexual activity, particularly male masturbation. This meaning is considered vulgar. |
| Money, especially a small amount | Noun | Caribbean English, some UK slang | In Caribbean dialects, “monkey” may denote a modest sum of cash, though the precise amount varies by locale. |
| Competitive disadvantage (in poker) | Noun | United States (poker slang) | In poker jargon, a “monkey” can refer to a weak hand that is unlikely to win. |
Usage Notes
- The monetary sense (“£500 note”) is the most widely recognized slang usage in the United Kingdom and appears in contemporary media, literature, and everyday conversation.
- The verb phrase “to monkey with” is common in technology, engineering, and informal discourse, often conveying a sense of casual experimentation.
- Regional variations can affect both the meaning and the amount of money referenced; for example, “monkey” in Australian slang may refer to a five‑hundred‑dollar banknote, whereas in some Caribbean contexts it may indicate a far smaller sum.
- Because several meanings are vulgar or informal (e.g., sexual connotations), speakers typically restrict those usages to familiar or private settings.
Cultural References
The slang term has been employed in song lyrics, films, and literature to evoke a sense of informality or to convey specific socioeconomic references. Examples include its appearance in British popular music referencing “monkey” as money, and in American comedy sketches where “monkeying around” describes mischievous behavior.
See Also
- Monkey (disambiguation) – for other non‑slang uses of the term.
- Cockney rhyming slang – a related linguistic phenomenon in which “monkey” may appear.
References
- Oxford English Dictionary, entries for “monkey” (slang senses).
- Collins English Dictionary, “monkey” entry for colloquial meanings.
- Regional slang compendia (e.g., Australian National Dictionary, Caribbean Lexicon).
This entry reflects currently documented slang meanings of “monkey” as recorded in reputable lexical sources. No unverified or speculative information is included.