monkey suit
C1Informal, humorous
Definition
Meaning
A formal suit, especially a tuxedo or other evening wear.
Any formal or ceremonial uniform, often implying discomfort or perceived silliness in wearing such attire.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a mildly humorous, slightly irreverent term. Implies the speaker's mockery of or lack of enthusiasm for formal dress codes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties. In the UK, it may also specifically reference military or other ceremonial full-dress uniforms.
Connotations
Same core connotation of humorous disdain for formal wear in both. Possibly slightly more common in American English.
Frequency
Low to medium frequency in informal spoken contexts. More common among older speakers; younger speakers may use 'penguin suit' or simply 'tux'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Put on + (the/your) + monkey suitHad to wear + (a/the) + monkey suitGet out of + (this/my) + monkey suitVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All dressed up in a monkey suit”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used jokingly after a formal company gala: 'Glad to get out of that monkey suit.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Primary context. Used for weddings, proms, formal dinners, or any event requiring a tuxedo.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have to wear a monkey suit to my cousin's wedding.
- He rented a monkey suit for the awards ceremony but couldn't wait to take it off.
- The ambassador's garden party required all the junior diplomats to put on their monkey suits.
- After six hours schmoozing in that stifling monkey suit, I was profoundly grateful for the hotel's casual dress code the next day.
- The regiment was ordered to don their ceremonial monkey suits for the sovereign's inspection.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a monkey looking very uncomfortable and silly wearing a tight, fancy tuxedo at a party.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMALITY IS CONSTRICTION/PERFORMANCE (the suit is a costume one is forced to wear, like a performing animal).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'костюм обезьяны'. It will not be understood. The concept is 'смокинг' or 'вечерний костюм' with a humorous tone.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to any suit (it's specifically formal).
- Using it in a truly formal written context.
- Thinking it is derogatory towards monkeys (it's not).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would you most likely hear the term 'monkey suit'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not considered offensive towards monkeys or people. It is a light-hearted, informal term expressing mild annoyance with formal dress.
Rarely. It is strongly associated with men's formalwear, particularly a tuxedo. It might be used humorously for a very formal, uncomfortable dress, but this is not typical.
The etymology is uncertain but is generally traced to the early 20th century, possibly from the resemblance of a man in a tuxedo to a performing organ grinder's monkey, or from the perceived silliness and uniformity of the attire.
Yes, 'penguin suit' is a synonym, playing on the black-and-white appearance of a tuxedo resembling a penguin. Both terms carry the same humorous, informal register.