📖 Monkey Business: Tricks, underhanded goings-on. This term, which transfers the mischievous, sly actions of monkeys to human beings, began to be used in the 1880s. It may have been a replacement for monkeyshines, which originated in the United States about 1820 and meant mischievous tricks. Today we generally use “monkey business” to mean more nefarious activities.
Related and Similar Terms
- Chicanery: The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.
- Shenanigans: Silly or high-spirited behavior; mischief.
- Skullduggery: Underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; trickery.
- Tomfoolery: Foolish or silly behavior.
Humorous Quotes and Proverbs
- “Men are but children of a larger growth; their toys have different names, and their whimsies less innocent.” —Samuel Richardson
- “If monkeys could write papers, they’d plant trees.” —Old Saying
Literature, Books, Songs, and Movies
- Book: “Monkeys, Apes, and Humans: The Primate Connection” by Linda Bruton
- Song: “Brass Monkey” by Beastie Boys
- Movie: “12 Monkeys” directed by Terry Gilliam
- Poetry: The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
### Which of these is considered 'monkey business'?
- [x] Unauthorized pranks at the office
- [ ] Organizing a charity marathon
- [ ] Writing a romance novel
- [ ] Painting a picturesque landscape
> **Explanation:** 'Monkey business' typically refers to naughty or mischievous behavior, more aligned with sneaky pranks at the office.
### True or False: Skullduggery is a synonym for monkey business.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Skullduggery is indeed a synonym, emphasizing sneaky and underhanded activities.
### Which phrase can be synonymous with 'monkey business'?
- [ ] Sailing smooth waters
- [x] Getting up to no good
- [ ] Flying high in the sky
- [ ] Baking a birthday cake
> **Explanation:** ‘Getting up to no good’ aligns with the mischievous essence of 'monkey business.'
### What historical phrase likely preceded 'monkey business'?
- [x] Monkeyshines
- [ ] Monkeying around
- [ ] Monkey boots
- [ ] The monkeys’ uncle
> **Explanation:** 'Monkeyshines' is an older term from the early 1800s that signifies similar mischievous activities.
It’s often said that if you let monkeys type long enough, they’ll come up with Shakespeare’s works. While we wait, isn’t it delightful to discover the linguistic tomfoolery we humans concoct?
Until we meet again, keep peeling those layers of words like the curious banana you are!
— B. L. Jester
