Barrel of Monkeys

Barrel of Monkeys

Barrel of Monkeys is a hyperbolistic idiom referring to good-natured pandemonium.

According to Charles E. Funk, word historian:

"One monkey arouses a great deal of amusement. Two or more then double the interest and amusement. If one were to release a barrel full of monkeys, we must suppose that their antics would become hilariously comical." [From "2107 Curious Word Origins, Sayings & Expressions from White Elephants to a Song Dance" by Charles Earle Funk (Galahad Books, New York, 1993)]

Barrel of Monkeys may also refer to:

* Barrel of Monkeys (game), a toy
* Barrel of Monkeys (theater), a drama-in-education company

A large group of non-ape primates is called "a barrel of monkeys".

Notes


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