monkeyshine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial, Dated
Quick answer
What does “monkeyshine” mean?
A mischievous prank, playful trick, or foolish behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mischievous prank, playful trick, or foolish behavior.
Often refers to playful, silly, or disruptive antics, typically (but not exclusively) associated with children or playful adults. Can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness or respect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized in BrE but is perceived as an Americanism. Its usage in contemporary BrE is extremely rare.
Connotations
In AmE, it has a folksy, sometimes Southern, connotation. In BrE, if used, it might sound like an imported American colloquialism.
Frequency
Virtually unused in modern BrE. In AmE, it is low-frequency and considered dated or regional.
Grammar
How to Use “monkeyshine” in a Sentence
to cut monkeyshinesto be up to [one's] monkeyshinesto put a stop to the monkeyshinesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkeyshine” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The kids were monkeyshining in the backyard all afternoon.
adjective
American English
- He gave her a monkeyshine grin before pulling the prank.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate. Would imply extreme unprofessionalism.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal, often familial or friendly contexts to scold or describe playful misbehavior.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkeyshine”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkeyshine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkeyshine”
- Using it as a singular countable noun (e.g., 'He did a monkeyshine') is very non-standard. Prefer the plural.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'monkey business', which is more common and implies deceitful trickery.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Monkeyshines' (plural) is the far more common form. The singular is rarely used.
'Monkeyshines' implies playful, silly antics. 'Monkey business' more strongly implies underhanded, deceitful, or suspicious activity.
It is dated and has low frequency. It is most likely to be heard in certain regions of the US or in nostalgic/folkloric contexts.
Yes, but it often carries a connotation of childish or undignified behavior when applied to adults, and may be used humorously or critically.
A mischievous prank, playful trick, or foolish behavior.
Monkeyshine is usually informal, colloquial, dated in register.
Monkeyshine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkiˌʃaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈməŋkiˌʃaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cut out the monkeyshines!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a monkey (MONKEY) shining (SHINE) a torchlight in someone's eyes as a mischievous trick.
Conceptual Metaphor
MISCHIEF IS PRIMATE-LIKE BEHAVIOR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'monkeyshines' be LEAST appropriate?