monkey tricks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “monkey tricks” mean?
Playful, mischievous, or troublesome behavior, often causing minor annoyance or disruption.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Playful, mischievous, or troublesome behavior, often causing minor annoyance or disruption.
Can refer to deceitful, underhanded, or crafty actions, often in a humorous or light-hearted context, though sometimes implying irritation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English. In American English, 'monkey business' is a more frequent near-synonym.
Connotations
UK: Often playful, cheeky. US: Can lean slightly more towards foolish or deceitful behavior.
Frequency
UK: Low-Medium (colloquial). US: Low (somewhat dated or regional).
Grammar
How to Use “monkey tricks” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/are up to [their] monkey tricks again.Don't start with your monkey tricks.I've had enough of your monkey tricks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkey tricks” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The teacher warned the class there would be no monkey tricks during the school trip.
- He's a lovely dog, but he does get up to monkey tricks when he's bored.
American English
- I'm too old for those kind of monkey tricks.
- The contract seems straightforward, but watch for any legal monkey tricks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used humorously to describe unprofessional or deceptive office politics. ('We suspect there's some monkey tricks going on with the accounting.')
Academic
Very rare, except in informal speech.
Everyday
Primary context. Used among friends, family, or about children/pets. ('The kids are upstairs getting up to monkey tricks.')
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey tricks”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkey tricks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey tricks”
- Using 'monkey's tricks' (possessive form is less common).
- Confusing it with 'monkey business', which is more common in AmE and can imply serious deceit.
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally not. It is mildly disapproving but often affectionate. However, context is key; calling an adult's serious deceit 'monkey tricks' could be seen as dismissive or insulting.
'Monkey tricks' often emphasizes playful, visible mischief. 'Monkey business' (more common in AmE) can imply more secrecy, dishonesty, or foolishness, sometimes in a business or romantic context.
No, it is too informal and colloquial for professional written communication. Use 'misconduct', 'unprofessional behavior', or 'underhand tactics' instead, depending on the severity.
Almost never. It is almost exclusively used figuratively for human (or sometimes pet) behavior. The phrase relies on the cultural stereotype of monkeys as mischievous.
Playful, mischievous, or troublesome behavior, often causing minor annoyance or disruption.
Monkey tricks is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Monkey tricks: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌtrɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌtrɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Monkey see, monkey do.”
- “More fun than a barrel of monkeys.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cheeky monkey playing tricks on its keeper – hiding keys, stealing hats. The phrase captures that image of playful, annoying mischief.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (specifically, primate behavior). Mischief is a primal, instinctual act.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'monkey tricks' LEAST likely to be used?