Idioms Unpacked: I'll Be a Monkey's Uncle

Occasionally, we may hear this exclamation. What is the metaphorical meaning of this popular phrasing? Why would anyone claim apish family ties or monkey relatives?

What is the meaning of the popular phrase, "I'll be a monkey's uncle"?

"I'll be a monkey's uncle" is actually an exclamation of surprise, and expression of disbelief and an exposition of astonishment. Often, someone will say, "I'll be a monkey's uncle" to indicate the absurdity of an unexpected occurrence or situation that actually proves to be true.

This metaphorical statement may seem somewhat old-fashioned, as it is not heard as often these days as perhaps it used to be. Originally, this statement may have seemed so shocking to listeners that it was regarded almost as a more polite substitution for an oath or profanity to express shock.

Similar idiomatic and familiar expressions to "I'll be a monkey's uncle" might include "Color me surprised," "Fancy that," "Good gracious," "Holy moley," "I'll be dipped," "I must be dreaming," "My goodness," "That's amazing," "That's incredible," "Well, I'll be," "Wow, I never expected that" and "You don't say."

What is the origin of the popular phrase, "I'll be a monkey's uncle"?

The first citings of this metaphorical expression may have come from the 19^th Century, after the 1959 publication of Charles Darwin's evolutionary work, On the Origin of Species. Darwin, after all, claimed that humans were descended from apes.

Perhaps the exclamation, "I'll be a monkey's uncle" gained in popularity after the famous "Monkey Trial" (Tennessee vs. John Scopes) in 1925, in which attorneys William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow debated the legalities of teaching creationism and evolution in American public school classrooms.

"I'll be a monkey's uncle" may have been somewhat of a slam against Darwinism, implying sarcastically that certain humans (or even oneself) may or may not be more intelligent than a monkey.

The Monkey's Uncle was also a 1965 Walt Disney Productions film, starring Leon Ames, Annette Funicello and Tommy Kirk - and as chimpanzee (not actually a monkey) named Stanley. And, in 1938, The Three Stooges appeared in a short film, titled I'm a Monkey's Uncle.

Evolutionism and Creationism may be a perennial debate topic. Certainly, we all might claim some rather eccentric individuals among the members of our own family trees. Even so, "I'll be a monkey's uncle" is meant metaphorically - at least, most of the time.

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com

http://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Idioms

http://www.goenglish.com

http://www.idiomconnection.com

http://www.idiomsite.com

http://www.usingenglish.com

http://www.yourdictionary.com