And now, Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English.

On this program we will explore English expressions. On today’s program we talk about animal expressions!

English has many animal expressions – too many to name. Also, in English, as in many other languages, some animals have come to have certain reputations. That is to say, they are known for certain behaviors.

For example, dogs are loyal. We often call them “man’s best friend.” Cats are independent and mysterious. In old stories, snakes and foxes are not to be trusted. Turtles do things slowly. While rabbits are full of energy.

Then there are monkeys.

A trained m<I><i><I>onkey</I></i></i> sits on a wooden copy of a racing motorbike as cyclists ride past in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, May 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)”><br><strong>A trained m<em>onkey</em> sits on a wooden copy of a racing motorbike as cyclists ride past in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, May 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)</strong></p>



<p>M<em>onkey</em>s have a reputation for being <strong>silly </strong>and causing trouble. Good words for that are <strong>naughty </strong>and <strong>mischievous.</strong></p>



<p>M<em>onkey</em>s are especially known for being fun. And if one m<em>onkey</em> is fun, just think how much fun many m<em>onkey</em>s would be! If an activity or event is super fun, we can say it is “as fun as a <strong>barrel </strong>of m<em>onkey</em>s.” Even a fun person can be described as a barrel of m<em>onkey</em>s.</p>



<p>Now, a barrel is a large wooden container. I’m not sure how to get m<em>onkey</em>s into a barrel. But I’m guessing it would be fun.</p>



<p>While we are on the subject, keep in mind that fun and funny are used differently. If something is funny it makes you laugh. If something is fun it is simply enjoyable.</p>



<p>For example, last weekend I went to a party and it was really fun. At the party, my friend told me a funny story, and I laughed out loud.</p>



<p>Some word historians think that the expression “barrel of m<em>onkey</em>s” was first recorded in 1895. It describes the playful behavior of these <strong>primates</strong>. We use it to describe any type of fun of activity or person.</p>



<p>To call something a barrel of m<em>onkey</em>s is definitely <strong>informal</strong>. You could call a really fun event a riot. Where I grew up in West Virginia, people might call something really fun a <strong>hoot</strong>. That is also informal and a bit rural.</p>



<p>Now, m<em>onkey</em>s do more than have fun. Because they are also smart, they are known for causing trouble. So, it is not surprising that we have m<em>onkey</em> expressions that describe causing trouble.</p>



<p>The first is to simply “m<em>onkey</em> around.”</p>



<p>To m<em>onkey</em> around means to <strong>goof around </strong>or cause harmless trouble. But it could lead to more serious trouble. So, a parent may warn a child, “If you m<em>onkey</em> around someone could get hurt. So, stop it!”</p>



<p>If I make a funny joke at a work meeting, someone could tell me to stop “m<em>onkey</em>ing around and get serious.”</p>



<p>Our last expression is “m<em>onkey</em> business.”</p>



<p>M<em>onkey</em> business usually means dishonest activities. For example, most people expect a little m<em>onkey</em> business in politics. It just seems to come with the territory, as we like to say.</p>



<p>Here at VOA Learning English, we don’t m<em>onkey</em> around with English. We take it very seriously. We are all business. But not, you know, m<em>onkey</em> business – that would be bad.</p>



<p>And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time … I’m Anna Matteo.</p>



<p><em>Anna Matteo wrote this for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.</em></p>



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<h2 class=Words in This Story

reputation – n. the common opinion that people have about someone or something the way in which people think of someone or something

loyal – adj. having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something

silly – adj. having or showing a lack of thought, understanding, or good judgment foolish or stupid

naughty – adj. behaving badly

mischievous – adj. showing a playful desire to cause trouble

primate – n. any member of the group of animals that includes human beings, apes, and monkeys

informal – adj. characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use

hoot – n. something or someone amusing

goof around – v. to spend time doing silly or playful things