brass monkey
While the exact origin of the term 'brass monkey' is unkown, it's 200-plus year usage history indicates its original meaning is related to the Kelvin Spheres that sit on either side of a ship's binnacle. The balls, which are iron, help offset magnetic shifts so the compass inside the binnacle remains pointed toward magnetic north. The two balls are traditionally mounted on brass arms, which were called 'monkeys' by sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries. The phrase 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey' didn't rear its head into common usage until the 20th century. Original uses referred to 'freezing the tail of a brass monkey,' or 'melting the nose off a brass monkey,' and can be found in 19th century sailing texts like Herman Melville's "Omoo" ('...it was 'ot enough to melt the nose h'off a brass monkey....'). Again, while the exact meaning is unkown, the term has beeen definitively rejected by the Department of the Navy, the Oxford English Dictionary and other noted etymologists as describing a pyramid of cannonballs on a brass tray. Not only were they never used on board ship during the age of sail as they would have rolled everywhere with the rocking of the ship, but the balls and tray would expand and contract at nearly the same rate due to cold and heat, and therefore the stack would never have fallen apart due temperature change.
The Urban Dictionary Mug
Had no idea my name had a definition!!
Bought for an inside joke. Perfect.
i love the schizophrenia mug its amazing
This cute mug reminded me of a quote from an obscure biography I found quite by accident in a tiny hole-in-the-wall 2nd hand shop in Portland, ME in 1987: 'The Life and Times of Lazarus of Bethany'. Quote: " We are all walking wounded held together by the scars of our forbearance and the charity of our sisters and brothers." Truer words have never been said.
Love it . Its me down to a T
unlike most mug customization, you can say whatever the fuck you want. Bravo!
i liked that the mug had my name on it and a funny definition, i will definitely buy some for my friends(with their names of course).
I bought it as sort of a gag gift for my son and his new girlfriend and they loved it
I haven't even bought it, it smells nice
nice quality, vivid image
What's funny is the saying that everyone searched for is the one that popped up on the cup. So all the weird gross sayings that people are commenting on are completely out of context to everyone seeing their comment.
I would buy a morbillion of these mugs.
Coffee is good with a banana (minus the Shimflins!)
It was a good gift
AMAZING MUG. Love a good tutti cup in the morning
Great product The mug is of very good quality. Highly recommended!
Guys do i buy a sex mug?
its beautiful. I use this mug every morbing to watch my favorite movie morbius!
EVERY mug I have ordered online through Urban Dictionary has exceeded my expectations! Each (5) is of a very high quality: Clear/Clean printing (ink, color, sharpness, clarity), and Outstanding craftsmanship ("feels" good to hold, and you can tell it "ain't made cheap"). Your company should be proud, indeed.
love it
Review Details
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Live Preview
Personalize Your Design
Debug: Product Metadata
| Key | Value (click to copy) |
|---|---|
Copied! |
Return Policy
Made Just For You
Each product is custom-printed with your unique text, making it truly one-of-a-kind.
Defect-Free Guarantee
If your product arrives with printing defects, damage, or quality issues, we'll send you a free replacement.
Custom Orders
Due to the personalized nature of your order, we don't accept returns for change of mind or sizing issues.
Questions about your order? Contact our support team for assistance.