# give a monkey's

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-a-monkeys
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To care; to have an interest or concern.

## Examples

- He does not give a monkey's about the new rules.
- Most people do not give a monkey's about what I wear to work.
- She worked hard on the report, but her boss clearly did not give a monkey's about the results.
- I told the neighbors that their loud music was keeping me awake, but they looked at me like they didn't give a monkey's.
- Despite the public outcry regarding the environmental damage, the corporation acted as if they did not give a monkey's about the consequences of their actions.

## Origin

The expression is possibly a euphemistic ellipsis of several coarser variants, including to give a monkey’s toss, to give a monkey’s shit, to give a monkey’s fart, or to give a monkey’s arse. It belongs to a specific linguistic tradition of measuring one's indifference by the biological output of small mammals, a category that also includes the similar give a rat's arse. While the precise point of truncation remains unconfirmed, the phrase functions by omitting the vulgarity while retaining the primate. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.