What are brass monkeys? This question might sound like a riddle, but it actually refers to a term used in the British Isles to describe a particularly cold and frosty weather condition. The term “brass monkeys” is often used to describe a situation where the cold is so severe that it would cause brass to freeze and turn into monkeys. But what does this really mean, and how does it relate to the weather? Let’s delve into the origins and significance of this peculiar phrase.
The phrase “brass monkeys” is believed to have originated from the Royal Navy during the 18th century. The Royal Navy was known for its harsh conditions, and sailors often used colloquial terms to describe the extreme weather they faced. The term “brass monkeys” was used to describe a situation where the cold was so intense that it would cause the brass fittings on ships to freeze and, in a bizarre twist, transform into monkeys. This, of course, is a metaphorical expression and not a literal one.
The origins of the phrase are somewhat unclear, but there are a few theories about its meaning. One theory suggests that the term “brass” refers to the coldness of the weather, as brass is a material that conducts heat poorly. The “monkeys” part of the phrase is thought to be a reference to the sailors’ superstitions, as they believed that monkeys were symbols of bad luck. Therefore, the phrase “brass monkeys” was used to describe a particularly unlucky and freezing cold day.
Another theory suggests that the phrase “brass monkeys” is a corruption of the term “brass buttons,” which was used to describe the buttons on a sailor’s uniform. In extremely cold weather, the buttons would freeze and become difficult to fasten, leading to the expression “brass buttons” being used to describe the cold. Over time, the phrase evolved into “brass monkeys,” with the “monkeys” part being added to emphasize the severity of the cold.
Regardless of its origins, the term “brass monkeys” has become a popular way to describe a particularly cold and frosty day in the British Isles. While the phrase is not used as frequently as it once was, it still holds a place in the lexicon of British weather expressions. So, the next time you hear someone mention “brass monkeys,” you’ll know that they are referring to a day when the cold is so intense that it would cause brass to freeze and turn into monkeys – a metaphorical way of describing a severe winter weather event.
