monkey's wedding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (primarily regional/slang)Informal, colloquial, regional dialect
Quick answer
What does “monkey's wedding” mean?
The meteorological phenomenon of simultaneous rain and sunshine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The meteorological phenomenon of simultaneous rain and sunshine.
A colloquial term for a sunshower; also used metaphorically to describe a situation with contradictory elements occurring simultaneously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English (especially South African and regional UK dialects), 'monkey's wedding' is a recognized, though uncommon, colloquialism. In American English, the term is virtually unknown; 'sunshower' is the standard term.
Connotations
British: quaint, folkloric, slightly archaic. American: unfamiliar, likely to cause confusion.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in specific British Commonwealth regions (e.g., South Africa, Scotland).
Grammar
How to Use “monkey's wedding” in a Sentence
It's [VERB-ing] a monkey's wedding.We had a monkey's wedding [TEMPORAL PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used (except perhaps in cultural/linguistic studies).
Everyday
Possible in informal conversation among speakers familiar with the term.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey's wedding”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey's wedding”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey's wedding”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Expecting American speakers to understand it.
- Treating it as a standard term for the weather phenomenon.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, regional colloquialism. Most English speakers use 'sunshower' or are unfamiliar with any specific term.
It is most associated with South African English and some regional dialects in the UK (e.g., Scotland). It is also found in other Commonwealth countries.
The etymology is uncertain but is likely a folkloric, whimsical coinage. Similar phrases exist in other languages (e.g., Zulu 'umshado wezinkawu'), suggesting a possible cultural borrowing in Southern Africa.
No, it is inappropriate for academic or technical writing. Use standard terms like 'sunshower' or 'simultaneous rain and sunshine'.
The meteorological phenomenon of simultaneous rain and sunshine.
Monkey's wedding is usually informal, colloquial, regional dialect in register.
Monkey's wedding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkiz ˈwɛdɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkiz ˈwɛdɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine monkeys in little tuxedos and dresses getting married in a spot of sunshine while rain falls around them—a contradictory, whimsical image.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTRADICTION IS A FANTASTICAL CEREMONY (rain and sun, typically opposed, are personified as participating in a wedding).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'monkey's wedding' MOST appropriately used?