monkey's fist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Slang
Quick answer
What does “monkey's fist” mean?
A type of heavy knot tied at the end of a rope to serve as a weight, historically used by sailors for throwing lines between ships or to docks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of heavy knot tied at the end of a rope to serve as a weight, historically used by sailors for throwing lines between ships or to docks.
Any similarly weighted, rounded object used as a flail-like weapon or decorative knot.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Same nautical or self-defense connotation in both.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency, known primarily to sailors, knot-tying enthusiasts, or in certain self-defense/weapon contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey's fist” in a Sentence
tie a monkey's fistuse a monkey's fista monkey's fist on the end of [rope]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey's fist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sailor deftly monkey's-fisted the end of the line.
American English
- He monkey's-fisted the paracord for his keychain.
adjective
British English
- The monkey's-fist knot held fast.
American English
- He carried a monkey's-fist keychain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in historical, maritime, or knot theory texts.
Everyday
Rare, except in specific hobbies (knot tying, sailing).
Technical
Primary context. Nautical/maritime operations, paracord crafting, survival gear.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey's fist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey's fist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey's fist”
- Using 'monkey fist' (omitting the possessive 's') in formal writing.
- Confusing it with other knots like the 'Turk's head' knot.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it is also used in decorative knotwork and, informally, as a self-defense tool or keychain fob.
It requires practice. It's more complex than basic knots like a bowline, as it involves creating a spherical shape around a core weight.
Traditionally, a round stone, a steel ball bearing, or a lead weight was placed in the centre to add mass.
The etymology is uncertain, but it's thought the finished knot resembles a small, tight fist, and 'monkey' may be a colloquial nautical addition.
A type of heavy knot tied at the end of a rope to serve as a weight, historically used by sailors for throwing lines between ships or to docks.
Monkey's fist is usually technical/slang in register.
Monkey's fist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkiz fɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkiz fɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a monkey making a fist to throw a rope—it’s the knot that helps you 'throw like a monkey'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HAND AS A TOOL (a fist as a compact, powerful weight).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a monkey's fist?