Street
monkey
What does monkey mean?
London money slang for five hundred pounds.
"He wants a monkey for the motor."
Origin
Traditional London money slang; one theory links it to Indian rupee banknotes carried home by returning soldiers.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'monkey' mean in money slang?
It means five hundred pounds (£500) in London money slang.
Where does 'monkey' for £500 come from?
The origin is uncertain, but one popular theory links it to Indian banknotes featuring a monkey, brought back by returning soldiers.
How is it used?
You'd say 'He wants a monkey for it' to mean he wants £500 for it.
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