monkey jacket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ObsoleteFormal, Historical, Nautical
Quick answer
What does “monkey jacket” mean?
A short, close-fitting jacket, typically part of a uniform or formal wear, often worn by sailors, stewards, or schoolboys.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, close-fitting jacket, typically part of a uniform or formal wear, often worn by sailors, stewards, or schoolboys.
A specific type of short jacket, historically part of a naval or maritime uniform, or a similarly styled jacket used in other formal or ceremonial contexts. It is also a dated term for a boy's short school jacket.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is of British origin, associated with Royal Navy and British school uniforms. American English usage is extremely rare and likely only in historical or costume contexts. Americans would more commonly use terms like 'mess jacket' or 'reefer jacket' for similar garments.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes tradition, the navy, or old-fashioned school attire. It lacks negative connotations but is simply outdated. In American English, it has almost no established connotation and might be misunderstood literally.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, but higher historical recognition in the UK. Essentially obsolete in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey jacket” in a Sentence
wear + monkey jacketdressed in + monkey jacketa monkey jacket + with + brass buttonsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, maritime, or costume studies.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary everyday language.
Technical
Used in historical naval terminology and uniform descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey jacket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey jacket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey jacket”
- Using it to refer to any casual jacket. Confusing it with a 'monkey suit' (tuxedo). Assuming it is connected to monkeys.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The name's origin is unclear but is not related to the animal. It refers to a type of human garment.
No. 'Monkey suit' is slang for a man's formal suit or tuxedo. A 'monkey jacket' is a specific short jacket, often part of a uniform.
You would likely only encounter it when reading historical fiction, naval history, or descriptions of period costumes. It's not used in modern conversation.
In some contexts, a 'mess jacket' worn in formal military dinners is similar. For schoolwear, a modern short blazer might be the equivalent.
A short, close-fitting jacket, typically part of a uniform or formal wear, often worn by sailors, stewards, or schoolboys.
Monkey jacket is usually formal, historical, nautical in register.
Monkey jacket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌdʒækɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌdʒækɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's mascot MONKEY dressed in a tiny formal JACKET as part of the crew's uniform.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMALITY IS CONSTRICTION (short, close-fitting).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'monkey jacket' primarily associated with?