monkey business: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial. Often used with a tone of mild disapproval or humorous censure.
Quick answer
What does “monkey business” mean?
Silly, dishonest, or mischievous behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Silly, dishonest, or mischievous behaviour; underhanded tricks or deception.
Any activity that is foolish, naughty, frivolous, or suspiciously dishonest, often in a way that disrupts order or breaks rules.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally common and understood in both varieties. The 's' in 'business' is always pronounced as /z/.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests a lack of seriousness or probity. Slightly more associated with political or financial shenanigans in AmE media.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; a well-established idiom in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey business” in a Sentence
There is monkey business with [something]to be up to monkey businessto put an end to the monkey businessThere's been some monkey business going on.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey business” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been monkeying about with the accounts again.
- Stop monkeying around and get to work.
American English
- They've been monkeying with the election results.
- Quit monkeying around and focus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to criticise unprofessional, dishonest, or wasteful practices in a workplace.
Academic
Rare, except in informal contexts to describe cheating or plagiarism.
Everyday
Common to describe children's naughty behaviour or a partner's suspicious actions.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey business”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey business”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey business”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a monkey business'). It is non-count.
- Confusing it with 'monkeying around', which is more about playful, non-serious action without the strong connotation of dishonesty.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While the idiom itself is not inherently racist, users should be sensitive to context. Historically, racist stereotypes have dehumanised certain groups by comparing them to monkeys. The idiom's primary target is the *behaviour* (chaotic, mischievous), not a person's identity.
Yes, though less commonly. It can describe harmless, silly antics, especially of children or friends ('We got up to some monkey business at the party'). Tone and context are key.
'Monkey business' often implies deceit or rule-breaking. 'Monkeying around' is more about playful, aimless, or non-serious activity without the strong implication of dishonesty.
Informally, yes, to describe suspected fraud, accounting tricks, or corrupt dealings ('financial monkey business'). It would not be used as a formal legal term but appears in journalistic or colloquial commentary.
Silly, dishonest, or mischievous behaviour.
Monkey business is usually informal, colloquial. often used with a tone of mild disapproval or humorous censure. in register.
Monkey business: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˈbɪznɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˈbɪznɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “monkey see, monkey do (related conceptually)”
- “more fun than a barrel of monkeys (different tone)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of literal monkeys in a business suit, throwing papers and bananas instead of working. It's the opposite of serious, proper business.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERIOUS ACTIVITY (BUSINESS) IS ANIMAL-LIKE PLAY (MONKEY). DISHONESTY/CHAOS IS PRIMATE BEHAVIOUR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'monkey business' LEAST appropriate?