The phrase “bunch of monkeys” refers to a disorderly, chaotic, or unruly group. It’s an idiomatic expression that likely originated in the early 20th century and is still commonly used today in informal speech and writing. Though the phrase may seem nonsensical at first glance, it contains some interesting history and symbolism related to monkeys themselves.
In this article, we’ll explore the possible origins of this quirky phrase, look at how real monkeys behave in groups, and examine some symbolic associations people have made between monkeys and mayhem over the years. We’ll also provide examples of how “bunch of monkeys” is used in various contexts ranging from kids playing to unruly crowds. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what people really mean when they describe a situation as being “a bunch of monkeys!”
Possible Origins
The exact origin of the phrase “bunch of monkeys” is unknown, but etymologists and historians have some theories about where it came from. Here are a few possible explanations for how this expression made its way into the English vernacular:
– **Early circus imagery:** In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circuses and traveling shows often featured monkey acts. These performances involved trainers working with large troupes of monkeys doing tricks, chasing each other, and generally cavorting on stage. The chaotic monkey scenes may have inspired people to use “bunch of monkeys” to refer to wild groups.
– **Organ grinding monkeys:** Some sources suggest the phrase has roots in Italian street performances from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Organ grinders would often have small monkeys dressed in suits and hats who would dance and collect coins. People supposedly viewed the capuchin monkeys as mischievous and compared their antics to unruly children.
– **Children’s rhyme:** There’s a children’s counting rhyme that goes “One’s a bunch, two’s a crowd, three’s a bunch of monkeys.” Some etymologists think the rhyme popularized the “bunch of monkeys” wording and association with disorderly groups.
– **Military term:** Some 20th century dictionaries list “bunch of monkeys” as military slang for a sloppy or disorganized troop formation. This may link to the more general meaning of a chaotic group.
Whatever its exact origin, it’s clear “bunch of monkeys” arose in the early 20th century when real monkeys in shows and performances were providing entertainment and analogy fodder. The expression simply built on people’s perceptions of monkeys as energetic, silly, and not exactly orderly.
How Real Monkeys Behave
To better understand why the phrase “bunch of monkeys” took hold, it helps to look at how real monkeys and apes act in groups. Most monkey species are highly social and live in large troops or colonies. When foraging, playing, and going about their monkey business, things can look pretty chaotic to human observers. Here are some ways real monkeys behave that likely contributed to the “disorderly” association:
– **Rambunctious play:** Young monkeys spend a lot of time playing and wrestling together. This involves lots of jumping, chasing, tumbling, and rapid movements that would appear frenzied and silly to onlookers.
– **Constant climbing and grabbing:** Monkeys are extremely agile climbers and are often seen swinging from trees, pipes, or anything they can grab onto. Groups of monkeys clambering all around look energetic and unruly.
– **Screeching and noisemaking:** Monkeys are very vocal creatures and make all kinds of loud hoots, screeches, squeals, and cries, especially when excited. The cacophony from a monkey troop adds to the sense of disorder.
– **Mischievous stealing:** Some monkeys, like capuchins and macaques, are notorious for taking objects that grab their interest. In cities, monkeys may snatch food or shiny items creating a hubbub.
– **Quick chaotic movements:** Monkeys often dart around quickly, chase each other, and leap about without warning. Their speed and erratic movements contribute to their “unruly” reputation.
So when groups of monkeys get going, they exhibit all sorts of energetic, noisy, silly, and seemingly random behaviors. To human observers, they look like an excitable, chaotic mess dashing about!
Symbolic Monkey Associations
In many cultures historically and today, monkeys symbolize playfulness, mischief, unpredictability, and even anarchy. These symbolic associations help explain why the physical behavior of real monkeys lent itself well to the metaphor of a “bunch of monkeys.” Here are some of the symbolic meanings attached to monkeys over time:
– **Tricksters:** In myths and folklore of many regions like Southeast Asia and Central America, monkeys are recurring trickster characters. They exhibit playful, deceitful, and disruptive behavior in stories.
– **Childlike naughtiness:** Monkeys often symbolize childishness and youthful naughtiness in works of art and literature globally. Their curiosity and carefree nature echoes that of unruly kids.
– **Play and humor:** Monkeys represent play, humor, and fun in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Their silly antics provide amusement for deities and people.
– **Disorder and mayhem:** Especially in Western culture historically, monkeys could represent anarchy, lack of control, and social disorder. Their perceived unruliness caused this association.
– **Mischievousness:** Monkeys frequently appear in folklore and myth as impish creatures stirring up trouble through pranks and hijinks. This can create chaos.
So because monkeys had symbolic links to playfulness, unrestraint, foolishness, and chaos, describing a pack of them as wild and disorderly made perfect sense to English speakers. The metaphor resonated with people based on cultural associations.
Examples of Use
The phrase “bunch of monkeys” can apply to any situation where frivolous, unruly, or erratic behavior is displayed by a group. Though it has an absurd ring, people find it a vivid and often humorous way to convey chaos. Here are some examples of how it is commonly used:
– **Kids playing:** “With all the children running around yelling and bouncing off the furniture, it was a bunch of monkeys in here!”
– **Parties or crowds:** “The beachside bar was packed for spring break – it was a bunch of monkeys trying to order drinks.”
– **Disorganized work:** “The warehouse crew really struggles to stack deliveries neatly – it looks like a bunch of monkeys back there!”
– **Sports chaos:** “The hockey players were slipping all over the ice and crashing into each other – it was a bunch of monkeys out there this period!”
– **Computer work:** “I don’t know what happened, but the coding got messed up and now it’s a bunch of monkeys.”
– **Shoddy repairs:** “The mechanic clearly had no idea what he was doing – he left wires all over; the engine looks like a bunch of monkeys worked on it.”
So in informal speech, writing, and even pop culture, “bunch of monkeys” is used flexibly to criticize any lack of order and composure. It conjures up the image of a troop of unruly monkeys jumping around to convey human chaos.
Conclusion
The quirky phrase “bunch of monkeys” has uncertain origins but has become a fun way to describe chaotic, haphazard activity. Real monkey behavior and symbolic monkey associations help explain why this expression caught on. Comparing a lively crowd to a troop of monkeys resonates due to the humor, imagery, and historic connotations. So next time a situation seems out of control, you’ll know exactly what someone means when they exclaim, “Wow, it’s a bunch of monkeys in here!”