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| Gelada baboons grooming each other, which is an example of nonhuman primate behavior. |
There are various ways of talking about specific topics. One way is through language, specifically the number of idioms (phrases) related to the topic. This is a topic that has been previously addressed in different posts on this blog (see this one and this other one for examples). Carrying on with this theme, as well as incorporating a broader anthropological focus, today’s blog post will address the origins and history of three nonhuman primate themed idioms. They are merely linked by their use of a nonhuman primate in the wording of the phrase, but this just makes it all the more interesting as to how and why these creatures are used to express diverse ideas and messages within the English language.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
The phrase “monkey see, monkey do” refers to someone who unquestioningly mimics the behavior of someone else. This type of behavior is often witnessed among children who copy the language and behaviors of any parent or parental figure they imprint on. Overall, the phrase is not a positive one since it demonstrates a lack of critical thought in what is being done or said through imitation.
The precise origins and history of the phrase “monkey see, monkey do” are difficult to pinpoint. There exists a lot of inaccurate information about the origins, citing a Jamaican, African, or even a Chinese origin. These pieces of information, however, are unsubstantiated as they lack credible evidence. The best evidence comes from the research of Neal Whitman, who tracked down some of the original uses of the phrase in American newspapers.
The first published evidence of the use of the phrase comes from the late 1800s. At that time, however, the phrase was a little different. It was “monkey sees, monkey does”, which is grammatically correct (versus the current way of saying the phrase). The grammatically correct idiom was found throughout several shoe advertisements, suggesting it was a clever marketing ploy to disparage the competitor while promoting the company that ran the ad. It is unclear why specifically the advertisement creator opted to use monkeys as a sales pitch, just as it is unknown how or why the phrase changed since that time. There are several chronicled examples throughout many published pieces of literature that show the degradation of the phrase over time.
Go Ape
The phrase “go ape” is a cleaner version of a popular American idiom (to “go apes—t”). It is typically used to explain negative behavior, such as that associated with violence or insanity. It can, however, reference any excitable behavior that is not technically bad or deviant (e.g., to raucous/wild celebration).
The phrase was first published in American literature in the 1950s, although its exact origins remain unknown. There are some sources that claim it came from the US military, referencing military personnel who would spend too much time in their barracks and then would go wild when no longer on base. There are others who associate the phrase with the American Jazz night club scene. These were places wherein both White and Black patrons could and would interact, dancing and conversing in manners that were not acceptable in more public spaces. Because such interracial interactions were deemed deviant this may be part of the reason why the phrase is associated with the Jazz night club scene.
Monkey Business
Monkey business remains a popular idiom used throughout the English language to this day. It references any actions deemed silly, mischievous, or underhanded. As one examines the origins and history of change of this phrase one sees very little modification over time. This phrase has two potential origins, both of which are derived from its predecessor phrase: monkeyshine.
Monkeyshine was introduced in the early 1800s and referenced dishonorable behavior. It was used in a popular song that mocked enslaved Blacks and ultimately used as a derogatory way of referencing all African Americans. Another potential origin comes from Sanskrit, a language spoken throughout the country of India. British colonizers may have adopted the phrase from a Sanskrit idiom that came from watching the literal behavior of nonhuman primates that are commonly found throughout the area. According to sources the Sanskrit saying used the foolish, silly, and sometimes violent interactions of monkeys to reference similar behaviors among deviant or irrational humans.
Works Cited
Friends of KSPS PBS. "Monkey See, Monkey Do." n.d. KSPS PBS. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
Idiomorigins.org. "Origin of Ape/Apeshit." n.d. Idiom Origin. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
Langeek Inc. "Go Ape." 2020. LanGeek Dictionary. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
Osmond, Candace. "‘Monkey Business’ Idiom: The Art Of Trickery and Lies." n.d. The Grammarist. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
The Button Museum. "Go Ape." n.d. The Busy Beaver Button Museum. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
Vocabulary.com. "Monkey Business." n.d. Vocabulary.com Dictionary. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
Whitman, Neal. "Why Do We Say "Monkey See, Monkey Do"?" n.d. Vocabulary.com. Electronic. 9 April 2024.
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