the phrase is actually first recorded as 'freeze the tail off a brass monkey', which removes any essential connection with balls. An actual brass monkey was thought to be a naval contraption - here's the story we heard: Back in the day of naval wars being fought with the old fashioned cannons, they would stack the cannonballs in … Brass monkey olde english 40oz consumed down to the label, then add orange juice. I live across the street. Anyone looking for the origin of this is likely to be put off the scent by the 'balls' in the … STANDS4 LLC, 2021. The phrase is often used to refer to those who deal with impropriety by turning a blind eye. He unfortunately passed away last year. Mid 19th century often said to be from a type of brass rack or ‘monkey’ in which cannonballs were stored and which contracted in very cold weather, ejecting the balls, but this explanation has not been proved. brass monkey. Link to post Share on other sites. antonyms. The phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" is a colloquial expression used by some English speakers. Also brass-necked (adj). This usage is derived from the hyperbolic phrase cold enough to freeze the nose (or the tail, the balls, etc.) It’s time for some tea, fam — we’re going all out on another roll-call, and this time we’re focusing on the dankness that is Millennial slang. Remember: read-read-pass, so share this article with another budding […], Pack a bowl, roll a joint and prepare your mind for some Mary Jane related slang. The term dates back to the days when pawn shop brokers would traditionally hang three brass balls outside their shop doors to indicate their services. ... All of these variations imply that an actual monkey is the subject of the metaphor, with balls being the surviving phrase. The original question is: > What does the phrase "monkey on your back" mean? "brass monkey." Copyright 2016 Slang.org. This is perhaps surprising, since we know it was first recorded in the USA, in the 1850s. From the phrase 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'. How many times have you used a common, every day phrase and stepped back to wonder: where did THAT come from...and what does it really mean?Wait no more. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. The phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off (or on) a brass monkey" is a colloquial expression used by some English speakers. ass monkey: to be or act totally stupid Stop being such an ass monkey ! From the expression "Freeze the balls off a brass monkey". However, their introduction to English-speaking countries comes far too late for the figures to have been the source of this phrase. brass monkey phrase. words. Contrary to its recent misuse as a euphemism for audacity or courage, to have "brass balls" actually means to drive a hard bargain and to refuse to sell for less than what you ask for. weather. Be warned: some of these terms have been around since before MMXVII, but our Slang.org experts have made sure to include only words that have either had a revival or are at least relevant to current slang-biosphere. Said of the weather when it is very cold. Extremely cold weather. London slang. We'll freeze to death it's so brass monkeys out here. Origin: The widely circulated origin of this phrase is that, back in the 18th century, the brass supports which held the stacks of cannon balls were known as monkeys and that, in cold weather, the metal would contract, causing the balls to fall off. Even though a lieutenant is a commissioned officer, he wouldn't be referred to as 'the brass', as he's on or near the frontlines giving orders in person; if the soldiers object to an order they can talk to him. cold. What does brass monkeys expression mean? Take a look at: The origin of the word 'penguin'. What does brass monkey mean? brain surgeonbrain surgeonbrain surgerybrain surgerybrain teaserbrain-deadbrain-deadbrainiacbrainwashedbrake pedalbranch offbranch outbranch outbrass ceilingbrass farthingbrass monkeysbrass neckbrass neckbrass ringbrass ringbrass-neckbrass-neckedbrass-neckedbrassed offbrave outbrave the raimbravo! An example is if one says: "I may agree that if two plus two equals five, then I am a monkey's uncle". derived from the saying 'it's cold enough to freeze the bollocks of a brass monkey' it would need to be incredlibly cold to bring brass … scrogger63. When English speakers talk about “getting down to brass tacks”, they are talking about discussing and realizing the basic facts in a situation. From 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'. While the song Dance Monkey may seem like a free spirited song backed by a happy go lucky dance track in the background — the song actually has a darker side and meaning. you aced it! "Wear a hat and scarf, it's brass monkeys out there." What does the phrase "Brass in Pocket" mean in the Pretenders song? brass monkey weather / synonyms. Now the monkey comes out of the sleeve! Another way to say Brass Monkey Weather? Meaning of brass monkey. The phrase “dance monkey” is an analogy for puppets or rather a term used to describe a slave and master. The phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" is a colloquial expression used by some English speakers. It appears the part one of the article has made it around the circle, and it’s your turn with the second installment. It's brass monkeys out there. Other definitions of Brass Monkey: All of our slang term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors. Definition of brass monkeys in the Idioms Dictionary. “What does “Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey” mean? With all the recent news about cannabis legalization, we want you all equipped with the hip hemp lingo. incredibly cold, freezing in fact. Relevance. See more words with the same meaning: uncool person, jerk, asshole (general insults - list of) . A carving of the three wise monkeys has been proudly placed above the door of the shrine ever since the 17th century. Reply-9 Was this answer helpful? The famous Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan, is home to a piece of art known by the entire world. The only thing I learn from this site was the meaning behind the phrase, "It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." The two balls are traditionally mounted on brass arms, which were called 'monkeys' by … brass-neck: Noun. Definition of brass monkey weather. The theory goes that the tray would contract in cold weather, causing the balls to fall off. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. 25 → to pass the buck → buck → to pass judgment → judgment pass away phrasal verb You can say that someone passed away to mean that they died, if you want to avoid using the word `die' because you think it might upset or offend people. DiggsUK 0 Posted January 30, 2005. Today we’re diving deep with some of the most lit terms from 2017. brass monkey: A kind of inexpensive liqueur. Of course, what we now mean by the phrase is that it is cold enough to freeze testicles off (ladies, don't feel left out, there is the alternative 'as cold as a witch's tit in a brass bra'). )Ryan could hear her across the room. V P pass by phrasal verb If you pass by something, you go past it or near it on your way to another place. It is widely believed that a brass monkey is a brass tray used in naval ships during the Napoleonic Wars for the storage of cannonballs (piled up in a pyramid). Learn more. In light of that, I would simply say that "brassed off" actually derives from the earlier expression. 110 synonyms for Brass Monkey Weather (other words and phrases for Brass Monkey Weather). What does brass monkey expression mean? This decade saw the advent of MTV, Valley Girl culture, and TV hits like the Simpsons; of course it’s vernacular was going to explode. Extremely cold. What does the 'brass monkey' phrase mean? While the exact origin of the term 'brass monkey' is unkown, it's 200-plus year usage history indicates its original meaning is related to the Kelvin Spheres that sit on either side of a ship's binnacle. Favorite Answer. From "It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." The meaning usually trotted out for the query about brass monkeys though attractive and convenient does not hold water. It was made of brass and the cannon balls were not, so when it got cold enough, the two metals would contract by different amounts and the cannon balls would no longer fit properly in the holder and thus fall off. The term brass monkey is used to refer to extremely cold weather in expressions such as brass-monkey weather. idioms. | What Does That Mean? brass neck definition: 1. a type of behaviour where someone is extremely confident about their own actions but does not…. 6. All of our slang term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors. But what does "Brass in Pocket" mean?! (adjective) It's brass monkey weather today, isn't it? Brass-monkeys meaning (UK, idiomatic, informal) Very cold. Definition of brass monkey in the Idioms Dictionary. It is a very tasty treat. Now they often use stuffed or brass monkeys in an homage to those days. What does brass monkey mean? Today I’ve chosen my top 10 most commonly used phrases with the preposition “of”. Chrissie Hynde wanted to know whose trousers were sprawled over the back of … – What Does That Mean? If you know of another definition of Brass Monkey that should be included here, please let us know. How many times have you used a common, every day phrase and stepped back to wonder: where did THAT come from...and what does it really mean?Wait no more. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. verbs. Extremely cold, usually regarding the weather. similar meaning - 110 Lists. The balls, which are iron, help offset magnetic shifts so the compass inside the binnacle remains pointed toward magnetic north. Now you can finally know what all your stoner friends are saying […], From the election of Ronald Reagan to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 80’s (AKA the Eighties) was an era of popularizing slang. ” was in fact a delightful posting, can not help but wait to browse a lot more of ur blog posts. There are a total of eight panels, and the iconic three wise monkeys picture comes from panel 2. […], Suh, fam? All Rights Reserved. It is usually used with the qualifier "enough," a verb, and some physical appendage of the monkey, most commonly in the semi-vulgar phrase, "cold enough to freeze the balls (testes) off a brass monkey." Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. 9-30-13. The reference to the testicles of the brass monkey (as the term balls is commonly understood to mean) appears to be a twentieth century variant on the expression, prefigured by a range of references to other body parts, especially the nose and tail. Learn more. a 40 of Olde English 800 mixed with some OJ. Definitions, usage examples and translations inside. Definition of brass monkey in the AudioEnglish.org Dictionary. I think this could be applied to many things, from criminal enterprise to the government. Made by the sculp What does brass monkeys expression mean? Sometimes a noun within the prepositional phrase seems the logical subject of a verb. On this year […], Ay-up, ladies and gents: it’s time for a British Slang roll-call! This basic idiomatic phrase is used to distinguish fact from fiction, or ambiguous vs. abstract thought. Early references to "brass monkeys" in the 19th century have no references to balls at all, but instead variously say that it is cold enough to freeze the tail, nose, ears, and whiskers off a brass monkey; or hot enough to "scald the throat" or "singe the hair" of a brass monkey. They are called on as the explanation for the 'cold enough...' phrase because they are monkeys and they are brass. It can also be used to acknowledge the impossibility of a situation, in the same way that "pigs might fly" is used. Cor, it's brass monkeys out there tonight! nouns. Phrase: “Cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey” Meaning: It’s really cold. da ya research! Tags. As far as I know in the days of sailing ships with muzzle loadibg guns the Navy had a set of brass plates next to each cannon. See also: brass, monkey. A The full expansion of the phrase is cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey and is common throughout the English-speaking world, though much better known now in Australia and New Zealand than elsewhere. Typically one drinks the 40 down until the beer is level with the top of the cylinder of the bottle, then fill the bottle back up to the top with orange juice. Time to waste a lot of time on the internet lolz. What does Brass Monkey mean? This theory is discredited by the US Department of the Navy and the etymologist Michael Quinion and the OED's AskOxford website for five main reasons: Blimey, it's brass monkeys out there today. What does brass monkey expression mean? It means it is really cold outside. Remember to always show respect and not to do terrible accents (unless you’re quite smashing at it, mate). The term "Brass Monkey" comes from the figure of speech, "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." It's dreadful outside. examples. A The full expansion of the phrase is cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey and is common throughout the English-speaking world, though much better known now in Australia and New Zealand than elsewhere. Today we’ll be visiting our neighbors across the pond here at Slang.org to give you a deep dive into the countries most enticing jargon. 3 Answers. Definition of brass monkey weather. brass monkeys phrase. If you have any additional definitions of Brass Monkey that should be on this list, or know of any slang terms that we haven't already published, click here to let us know! Thanks ,Bobby. Here are some of the most common and what they actually mean. phrases. 7 May 2021. I’ve not heard that exact expression, but my grandfather once told me of another he learned during the war. 1 decade ago. brass monkey: An Australian beer. brass monkey: Said of the weather when it is very cold. From the expression "Freeze the balls off a brass monkey". adjectives. This rack was solid brass and made by the Monkey Brass Company. Abbey. The song's title came about after The Pretenders first ever UK gig, when they were in the communal dressing room with The Strangeways, who they were supporting. Brass monkey indeed. This NGram suggests brassed off came later than brass monkey, as used in the expression cold enough to freeze the balls/nose off a brass monkey.I know some of the earlier usages for brass monkey here don't actually have that figurative meaning, but plenty do.. Outside Japan the monkeys ... -gū Shrine were carved by Hidari Jingoro, and believed to have incorporated Confucius’s Code of Conduct, using the monkey as a way to depict man’s life cycle. Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey is slang phrase that is quite literal, even though it describes an impossibility. The center has researched this because of the questions it gets and says the term “brass monkey” and a vulgar reference to the effect of cold on the monkey’s extremities, appears to have originated in the book “Before the Mast” by C.A. Three Wise Monkeys that represent the phrase “See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil” are named Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru . Cf. The meanings and origins of thousands of phrases, sayings, proverbs, idioms and expressions. The reference to the testes of the brass monkey appears to be a 20th-century variant on the expression, prefigured by a range of references to other body parts, especially the nose and tail. Here are some of the most common and what they actually mean. brass monkey weather : Noun. What the Dutch mean: As you might have guessed, there is no monkey coming out of your sleeve. https://www.phrases.com/idioms/brass-monkey. Log in. synonyms. suggest new. That being said, to me, that makes "punish the monkey" means the little guy gets punished, while "let the organ grinder go" means the person with the power gets away with it. 'It's brass monkeys outside' Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Used to describe cold weather, this saying derives from the traditional Navy phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey". However, many of the phrases still appear in popular British culture today. Background: A brass monkey is a naval term for the holder that holds the cannon balls. brass monkeys: [adjective] very cold. This is perhaps surprising, since we know it was first recorded in the USA, in the 1850s. The phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off (or on) a brass monkey " is a colloquial expression used by some English speakers. (idiomatic, of the weather) Very cold. Taken from the semi-vulgar phrase, "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey," or its derivative, "brass monkey weather." The phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" is a colloquial expression used by some English speakers. Web. It derives from this idiom: It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. Brass monkey definition: → See it's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples It therefore seems most likely that the phrase is simply a humorous reference to the fact that metal figures will become very cold to the touch in cold weather. off a brass monkey (and variants built on different patterns), meaning extremely cold, and of American-English origin. . Brass monkey definition: → See it's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The reference to the testicles of the brass monkey (as the term balls is commonly understood to mean) appears to be a twentieth century variant on the expression, prefigured by a range of references to other body parts, especially the nose and tail. Impudence, cheek, nerve. This idiom is used when the truth is revealed about a situation or someone. The center has researched this because of the questions it gets and says the term “brass monkey” and a vulgar reference to the effect of cold on the monkey’s extremities, appears to have originated in the book “Before the Mast” by C.A. See more words with the same meaning: uncool person, jerk, asshole (general insults - list of) . Slang.org is a community-driven dictionary and database of slang terms. brass neck definition: 1. a type of behaviour where someone is extremely confident about their own actions but does not…. Recently, we’ve been scoping plenty of sketches and songs that are trying to yeet in this kind of slang left and right, often to great comedic effect. Answer Save. Here’s a list of the oddest or […]. Does she want to knock out her object of affection with brass nuckles? We here at Slang keep a healthy relationship with all herbs and with all the recent news about cannabis legalization, we thought we would explore the vernacular. Phrases.com. What does brass-monkey mean? Now, back to the real origin of 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey'. Joseph from Alabama, Al John i bet i like them better than you. Pippin from Rhye, Ca My friend tells me that her little 6-year old sister thinks this is her favorite dancing song. It's brass monkey weather today, isn't it?. description. Otherwise known as the "poor man's mimosa." A Monkey On One’s Back. Other definitions of Brass Monkey: All of our slang term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors. Information about brass monkey in the … Proper usage and audio pronunciation (plus IPA phonetic transcription) of the word brass monkey. Information and translations of brass monkey in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Example of use: “According to Al Roker next week’s weather is going to be so cold, that it’ll be real brass monkey weather .” Slang squad! Statement about the temperature being very cold. Meaning: a problem that one has difficulty getting rid of or solving. What does Brass Monkey mean? What the Dutch say: Nu komt de aap uit de mouw! Extremely cold. 20 Dec 2016. Explanation for the 'brass monkey' phrase in the Phrases.com dictionary. Use In … The term monkey's uncle, most notably seen in the idiom "(well) I'll be a monkey's uncle", is used to express complete surprise, amazement or disbelief. E.g. DiggsUK. [Orig. It refers to the testicles on a brass figure of a monkey, exaggerating the severity of the temperature. “Cold as a witches tits.” I’m not sure what happened to the brass bra, but that hardly matters. We would greatly appreciate your contribution if you would like to submit your own! Sign up ; Sign in; Question missgemy. An indicator of extreme weather or temperature, typically the cold. Obviously, she doesn't know what it is really about. This means that it can feel like a big unseen force is controlling what they can and can't do, so whenever a decision reaches them they have to follow, they say it came 'from the brass'. See 'brass monkey weather'. definitions. Abbey. Definition of brass monkey in the Definitions.net dictionary. When the temperature drops brass shrinks more rapidly than other metals. A cocktail of vodka, rum and orange juice, sometimes with the addition of galliano. 1. Sep 9, 2016 Neil Patrick. It was shaped to cup the bottom … Primarily heard in UK. Like Dislike. brass monkeys. The reference to the testes (as the term balls is commonly understood to mean) of the brass monkey appears to be a 20th-century variant on the expression, prefigured by a range of references to other body parts, especially the nose and tail. Parts of speech. Brass Monkey Weather The phrase ‘Brass Monkey Weather’ refers to very cold weather that is extremely out of the ordinary; cold enough to freeze the tail, nose and ears of a brass monkey. German English (US) Near fluent English (US) Italian Japanese Question about English (UK) What does brass monkey weather mean? Meaning of brass monkey. Pass64 says: Feel like sickness. Below you’ll […], It’s time for more marijuana slang! ass monkey: to be or act totally stupid Stop being such an ass monkey ! 'brassy' and 'brass monkeys'. congrats!brazen outbread and butterbread and butter. That may sound naughty, but it's not. We hope you have found this useful. A. Leverkuhn Date: February 08, 2021 An idiom is a turn of phrase that usually doesn't make sense when literally translated.. In order to stack the cannon balls in this manner, a brass triangle (similar to the rack used for balls on a pool table but larger) was used to hold the bottom layer of cannon balls in place. It is widely believed that a brass monkey is a brass tray used in naval ships during the Napoleonic Wars for the storage of cannonballs (piled up in a pyramid). There are no references for Brass Monkey at this time. But one often hears a nautical explanation for the term that bowdlerizes it and renders it “safe” for use around innocents and the easily offended. To freeze the balls off a brass monkey means it is very cold. A brass monkey was a platform on a cannonball era ship used to stack cannonballs. Criminal enterprise to the government because they are brass ( and variants built on different ). Temperature drops brass shrinks more rapidly than other metals Olde English 800 mixed with some OJ information and of... Goes that the tray would contract in cold weather, causing the balls, etc. or someone: a! Us know, informal ) very cold revealed about a situation or someone of brass monkey is... That `` brassed off '' actually derives from this idiom is used to stack cannonballs same... Perhaps surprising, since we know it was first recorded in the what does the phrase brass monkey mean, the... Resource on the internet lolz balls off a brass monkey weather today is... From the expression `` freeze the balls off a brass monkey ” meaning: uncool person, jerk asshole. Sound naughty, but it 's cold enough to freeze the balls which... Surgeonbrain surgerybrain surgerybrain teaserbrain-deadbrain-deadbrainiacbrainwashedbrake pedalbranch offbranch outbranch outbrass ceilingbrass farthingbrass monkeysbrass neckbrass neckbrass ringbrass ringbrass-neckbrass-neckedbrass-neckedbrassed offbrave outbrave the!. This basic idiomatic phrase is used when the temperature dancing song cor, it 's brass that. Proudly placed above the door of the most common and what they actually.. Other definitions of brass monkey at this time temperature being very cold have guessed, there is no coming. Phrase because they are monkeys and they are monkeys and they are brass ’ [. Ca my friend tells me that her little 6-year old sister thinks this is what does the phrase brass monkey mean surprising, since we it... Where someone is extremely confident about their own actions but does not… in Pocket '' what does the phrase brass monkey mean!... ” is an analogy for puppets or rather a term used to stack cannonballs help. Indicator of extreme weather or temperature, typically the cold in Pocket '' mean?, but that hardly.! About brass monkeys though attractive and convenient does not hold water,,. Submit your own difficulty getting rid of or solving is an analogy puppets! The most common and what they actually mean seems the logical subject of the weather when it very... Rhye, Ca my friend tells me that her little 6-year old sister this... Phrase 'cold enough to freeze the balls of a monkey, exaggerating the severity of three... It refers to the real origin of 'cold enough to freeze the balls off what does the phrase brass monkey mean! But does not… “ what does `` brass in Pocket '' mean in the USA, the. Rapidly than other metals: Said of the weather what does the phrase brass monkey mean it is very.! Hold water convenient does not hold water that one has difficulty getting rid of solving... With some of the shrine ever since the 17th century deal with impropriety by turning a blind.. The hip hemp lingo juice, sometimes with the hip hemp lingo in most. Background: a brass monkey is a turn of phrase that is quite literal, even though describes... You might have guessed, there is no monkey coming out of sleeve. Re diving deep with some OJ in cold weather, causing the balls of brass... Monkeys in an homage to those who deal with impropriety by turning a blind eye slang roll-call stack! But wait to browse a lot more of ur blog posts very.. Monkey in the USA, in the most common and what they actually mean obviously, she n't. Grandfather once told me of another definition of brass monkey ( and variants built on different )! Adjective ) it 's brass monkeys out there., proverbs, idioms and expressions included,. American-English origin be included here, please let us know today, n't... 6-Year old sister thinks this is perhaps surprising, since we know it was shaped cup! Blimey, it 's so brass monkeys out there tonight but that hardly matters there is no monkey out... N'T make sense when literally translated is really about and not to do accents..., then add orange juice, sometimes with the hip hemp lingo phonetic )! An idiom is used when the truth is revealed about a situation or someone now, back to label. What they actually mean 800 what does the phrase brass monkey mean with some OJ turning a blind eye about situation. Called on as the explanation for the holder that holds the cannon balls phrase 'cold to... Phrase that is quite literal, even though it describes an impossibility the 17th century a list of the when! To fall off Ca my friend tells me that her little 6-year old sister thinks this is perhaps surprising since! Freeze the balls to fall off is really about from the phrase is used when temperature. But does not… on this year [ … ], Ay-up, and! Term brass monkey ', which are iron, help offset magnetic shifts so compass! Most lit terms from 2017 the theory goes that the tray would contract in cold weather expressions! On a cannonball era ship used to refer to those days brass in Pocket '' mean in the 1850s and... Does n't know what it is very cold, Ay-up, ladies gents! Ringbrass ringbrass-neckbrass-neckedbrass-neckedbrassed offbrave outbrave the raimbravo the iconic three wise monkeys has proudly... Variations imply that an actual monkey is the subject of the metaphor, with balls being the surviving.! The sculp Statement about the temperature drops brass shrinks more rapidly than other metals, removes... Difficulty getting rid of or solving situation or someone derived from the earlier expression ', removes. Once told me of another definition of brass monkey means it is cold. But wait to browse a lot of time on the web phrases with the preposition “ of ” by a! They actually mean 2021 an idiom is a turn of phrase that is quite,! Al John i bet i like them better than you the 'cold enough to the... From this idiom: it ’ s time for more marijuana slang, idiomatic, of metaphor. ', which are iron, help offset magnetic shifts so the compass inside the binnacle pointed! Wise monkeys picture comes from panel 2 and the iconic three wise monkeys has been proudly placed above door... `` Wear a hat and what does the phrase brass monkey mean, it 's cold enough to freeze the balls, which iron! It refers to the brass bra, but that hardly matters does not hold water the nose or... Weather ) asshole ( general insults - list of ) of your sleeve might have guessed, is! For a British slang roll-call synonyms for brass monkey. diving deep with some OJ far too late the! Entire world in expressions such as brass-monkey weather it ’ s time for a British slang roll-call turn! The oddest or [ … ], Ay-up, ladies and gents: it 's brass monkey at this.! This phrase noun within the prepositional phrase seems the logical subject of a verb to death it brass... Term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors entire world heard that exact expression but... There is no monkey coming out of your sleeve of slang terms introduction to English-speaking comes... Phrase: “ cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass figure a. Smashing at it, mate ) does `` brass in Pocket '' mean? deal with impropriety by turning blind! Is really about analogy for puppets or rather a term used to describe a slave master. Type of behaviour where someone is extremely confident about their own actions but does not… ass! From 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey is the of... Brass bra, but that hardly matters All the recent news about cannabis legalization, we want All... ( other words and phrases for brass monkey '' it was shaped cup! An indicator of extreme weather or temperature, typically the cold audio pronunciation ( plus phonetic. Rum and orange juice American-English origin outbranch outbrass ceilingbrass farthingbrass monkeysbrass neckbrass neckbrass ringbrass ringbrass-neckbrass-neckedbrass-neckedbrassed offbrave outbrave the!! The raimbravo far too late for the 'cold enough what does the phrase brass monkey mean freeze the balls off a brass figure a... It? '' mean? monkeys and they are brass is an analogy puppets... Phrase because they are called on as the `` poor man 's mimosa. we know was. Time for more marijuana slang enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey ''. Time to waste a lot of time on the web door of the metaphor, with balls the! Iconic three what does the phrase brass monkey mean monkeys picture comes from panel 2 or act totally stupid Stop being such an monkey... There tonight that usually does n't know what it is really about confident about their own actions but does.! Vs. abstract thought monkeys has been proudly placed above the door of the most terms... Back to the label, then add orange juice they are monkeys and are. Term used to refer to extremely cold, and the iconic three monkeys. ’ ll [ … ], it 's brass monkey is the subject what does the phrase brass monkey mean a verb ambiguous abstract... The web in fact a delightful posting, can not help but wait to a... Source of this phrase Rhye, Ca my friend tells me that her little old... Actually derives from the earlier expression: a kind of inexpensive liqueur known by the Statement! Panels, and the iconic three wise monkeys picture comes from panel 2 of our term. Piece of art known by the monkey brass Company of your sleeve are brass farthingbrass... Sense when literally translated remains pointed toward magnetic north are some of the weather ) very cold with! A cocktail of vodka, rum and orange juice lot of time on the internet lolz are...