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
BEST MUG EVER I DONT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT THIS OUTSTANDINGLY AMAZING MUG THAT MY FRIEND GOT ME AS A "SPECIAL" CHRISTMAS PRESENT IF YOU KNOW HWAT I MEAN
Great idea. Nice mug and well proportioned
Im gay so love this mug
shmunky Mug is elite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Highly recommend yeat !!!!
Great product. Timely shipping. Highly recommend this establishment. Thanks!
Best Mug ever. I love having the definition for my favorite word on a stylish mug. -ShinobiScout
It was hilarious and I loved it
bloody fantastic. yes you found a real review that isn't from a bot!
So funny and fun to share. Great gift
I have a persona/troll character on Roblox named: HaunCoolGamer, I bought this bc the actual definition of Haun totally fits Haun's brand.😎 10/10: Very epic.
sicko mode mug bought this, great mug. would recommend to friends
Good quality, not cheesy.
It’s an awesome mug
it's great get it with the definition of your b and make it cuteee
Great as punctuation to an inside joke. Very expensive for a coffee cup.
Excellent communication. Prompt service. Quality product.
my friend loves funky monkey mug
Great idea to be able to offer this quality mug. I wish it would have come with the full text including examples listed on Urban Dictionary but I do love the mug. Just bought my 2nd one. Packaging is duarable and perfect for rough transit.
¡Soy profesora de español y lo voy a usar en mi clase en la universidad!
I wish the text on the back wasn’t so small—if I had to order it over again I would’ve inquired as to whether the words could be enlarged so it filled up more of the “white space” on the back
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.