# naked ape

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/naked-ape
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A human being.

## Examples

- The naked ape is a strange creature.
- Scientists often study the behavior of the naked ape to understand how humans evolved over time.
- In his famous book, the author examines the biological instincts that still drive the modern naked ape in a complex society.

## Origin

From naked + ape, reportedly coined by the zoologist Desmond Morris in his 1967 book The Naked Ape.

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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.