Monkey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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monkey
[ˈmʌŋki ]
Definitions
wild animal
A monkey is a type of wild animal that is typically small, with a long tail and human-like hands and feet. Monkeys are known for their playful and mischievous behavior, often swinging from trees and grooming each other.
Synonyms
ape, chimpanzee, primate.
Examples of usage
- Watch out for the monkeys in the jungle!
- The zoo has a special exhibit featuring different species of monkeys.
- The researchers observed the monkeys interacting with each other in their natural habitat.
slang
In slang, a monkey can also refer to a sum of 500 units of a currency, especially British pounds. This usage originated from British soldiers stationed in India, where 500 rupees were called a monkey.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He owed me a monkey for the bet we made.
- She won a monkey in the poker game.
gambling
To monkey is a slang term used in gambling to describe tampering with or manipulating something, such as a card or a machine, in order to cheat or deceive.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The player was caught trying to monkey with the deck of cards.
- Don't monkey with the slot machine, or you'll get kicked out of the casino.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Behavior
- Many monkeys are social animals living in large troops, showcasing how animals can work together.
- They have a complex system of communication, often using vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language to express emotions.
- Some species of monkeys use tools, such as sticks to extract termites from mounds, demonstrating intelligence similar to humans.
Science
- Monkeys are part of a larger primate group, which also includes apes and humans, suggesting evolutionary connections.
- They can be found in different habitats across the world, especially in tropical forests and savannas.
- Research involving monkeys has provided insights into human diseases and helped in developing various medical treatments.
Pop Culture
- Monkeys have been popular characters in movies and cartoons, like Curious George, showcasing their playful nature.
- The famous band 'The Monkees' in the 1960s used the playful connotation of the word, symbolizing fun and music.
- Monkey motifs appear in various cultural artifacts, indicating their significance across societies and storytelling traditions.
Conservation
- Many monkey species are facing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment.
- Organizations work globally to conserve monkey habitats, which also helps preserve biodiversity.
- Education about monkeys and their ecosystems is crucial to promote their conservation and encourage protective measures.
Origin of 'monkey'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'monkey' might have come from a character named 'Monqui' in a French comic, or it could be from the Middle Low German word 'monneke'.
- In some regions, the term 'ape' is commonly used, but apes do not have tails, while monkeys do.
- The term has been used in English since at least the late 15th century, indicating the long-standing interest in these animals.
The word 'monkey' has its origins in the 16th century. It is believed to come from the Middle Dutch word 'monnekijn', which means 'little man' or 'sprite'. Monkeys have been a subject of fascination and study for centuries, with their intelligence and behaviors often compared to humans. They play important roles in various cultures and mythologies around the world.