Monkey see, monkey do
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of imitating someone else's actions or behaviors without much thought or understanding.
Origin
The phrase directly references the natural imitative behavior of monkeys, a common observation that has long captivated and amused humans. While the concept of mimicry is ancient, the precise formulation "monkey see, monkey do" gained widespread traction in the early 20th century, popularized by vaudeville acts, circuses, and children's stories. One enduring folk tale, "The Monkey and the Peddler," vividly illustrates this, with monkeys mimicking a peddler's frustrated actions, inadvertently returning his stolen caps. This simple, clear image of unthinking imitation cemented the phrase in everyday language.
Examples
- When the new intern started copying his boss's unusual habit of whistling during meetings, his colleague simply shrugged and said, "Monkey see, monkey do."
- Parents often worry about the influences their children are exposed to, knowing that monkey see, monkey do, especially when it comes to adopting habits from friends.