The idioms “(as) funny as a barrel of monkeys” and “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” are both used to describe situations or people that are extremely funny or highly enjoyable. These expressions emphasize a lively and humorous atmosphere, invoking the playful image of monkeys, which are often associated with mischief and entertainment.
Meaning of “(as) funny as a barrel of monkeys” and “more fun than a barrel of monkeys”
- “(As) funny as a barrel of monkeys” means something is very funny, often to the point of being hilariously entertaining. It highlights a humorous situation or an individual who provides a lot of amusement.
- “More fun than a barrel of monkeys” emphasizes that something is even more enjoyable or entertaining than what might typically be expected to be fun.
Both idioms suggest a sense of joy, laughter, and lightheartedness, using the image of a barrel filled with monkeys, known for their playful and unpredictable behavior.
Examples of “(as) funny as a barrel of monkeys” and “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” in sentences
Describing a person or situation that is very funny:
“Todd was as funny as a barrel of monkeys, always making everyone laugh with his jokes.”
“The entire evening was as funny as a barrel of monkeys—we couldn’t stop laughing at the comedy show.”
Describing an event or activity that is incredibly enjoyable:
“The party was more fun than a barrel of monkeys—the games and music kept everyone dancing all night!”
“Going to the amusement park was more fun than a barrel of monkeys, with all the thrilling rides and laughter.”
Origins of the idiom
The phrase “a barrel of monkeys” likely originates from the idea of monkeys being playful and energetic, often engaging in chaotic, fun-filled behavior. The image of a barrel, typically used to store things, makes the visual of a barrel full of lively, mischievous monkeys both amusing and appealing. Over time, this imagery was used in idioms to represent situations or people that are lively, entertaining, or funny.
Similar expressions
If you’re looking for other ways to express humor or fun, here are some similar idioms:
- “A riot”
- “A laugh a minute”
- “Side-splitting”
- “A barrel of laughs”
How to use “(as) funny as a barrel of monkeys” and “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” in conversations
Here’s how to use these idioms in casual speech:
Describing a funny person:
“Have you met my friend Sarah? She’s as funny as a barrel of monkeys, always cracking jokes.”
Describing an enjoyable event or activity:
“The concert last night was more fun than a barrel of monkeys, the crowd was dancing and singing along to every song.”
Expressing that something is a lot of fun:
“This game is more fun than a barrel of monkeys—I can’t stop laughing!”
Conclusion
The idioms “(as) funny as a barrel of monkeys” and “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” are vibrant, playful ways to describe something that is extremely funny or highly enjoyable. Whether you’re talking about a person, event, or experience, these expressions bring energy and humor to the conversation, painting a picture of lively fun. Using these idioms adds a cheerful, light-hearted touch to your language, making your descriptions more expressive and entertaining.
