What does “Monkey business” mean?
"Monkey business" means engaging in silly or mischievous behavior.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The kids were up to some monkey business in the backyard.
Example
I caught my coworkers engaging in some monkey business during the meeting.
Example
The comedian's performance was full of monkey business and had the audience in stitches
Is “Monkey business” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Monkey business” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Monkey business” effectively in context?
You can use "Monkey Business" to describe silly or mischievous behavior. It's often used in a lighthearted or playful context. For example, if you see children playing pranks on each other, you might say, 'Looks like they're up to some monkey business.'
- 1Children's Play
The kids were up to some monkey business in the backyard.
- 2Work
I caught my coworkers engaging in some monkey business during the meeting.
- 3Entertainment
The comedian's performance was full of monkey business and had the audience in stitches.
Similar phrases to “Monkey business”:
Rough or rowdy play, often involving physical contact
Example
The boys were engaged in some horseplay in the schoolyard.
Silly or foolish behavior
Example
His constant tomfoolery during class disrupted the learning environment.
Shenanigans
Secret or dishonest activities, often causing trouble or mischief
Example
The group of friends always got into shenanigans whenever they were together.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Monkey business” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Monkey Business" is unknown.
Is “Monkey business” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Monkey Business" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It's frequently used to describe playful or mischievous behavior.
What tone does “Monkey business” have?
"Monkey Business" conveys a tone of amusement and light-heartedness. It's often used to describe funny or silly situations.
Can “Monkey business” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "monkey business" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of playful or mischievous behavior. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as work meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The kids were up to some monkey business in the backyard.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for some "monkey business"!' to imply a playful or mischievous activity.
