According to the Urban Dictionary monkey up means to “make a mess of something; to screw something up.” This seems to be a pretty popular definition as it has been liked over 1000 times on the site.
One example of monkey up in use comes from a 2016 article in The Atlantic in which a Trump supporter is quoted as saying “I think he’s going to monkey up the economy.” In this context it seems to mean that the person thinks Trump will mess up the economy.
It’s not entirely clear where the phrase comes from but it seems to be related to the phrase “monkey around.” This makes sense as if you’re monkeys around you’re likely to make a mess of things.
So there you have it! If you ever hear someone say “monkey up” now you’ll know what they mean.
What does it mean to “monkey up”?
To monkey up is to make something more complicated than it needs to be.
How did the phrase “monkey up” originate?
It is thought to come from early 20th century United States Navy slang.
What is another meaning of “monkey up”?
To tamper with or change something in a way that is not improvements
What is an example of “monkey up”?
When someone tries to fix a bicycle chain themselves and makes the problem worse.
What is the opposite of “monkey up”?
To streamline or make something simpler.
What is the etymology of “monkey up”?
The phrase is thought to come from early 20th century United States Navy slang.
It is unclear how the phrase entered navy slang.
What does it mean to “monkey around”?
To monkey around is to fool around or waste time.
Where did the phrase “monkey around” originate?
The phrase “monkey around” is of unknown origin.
What is an example of “monkey around”?
When someone is goofing off instead of working.
Is “monkey around” a negative or positive phrase?
“Monkey around” is generally used in a negative way to describe wasting time.
How is “monkey around” used in a sentence?
I was caught monkeying around on my phone during class.
What is another word for “monkey around”?
Mess around fool around horse around.
What is a synonym for “monkey up”?
To complicate to make more complicated.
What is an antonym for “monkey up”?
To simplify to make less complicated.
How can “monkey up” be used in a sentence?
He monkeying up the machine by adding too many parts.
