monkey about
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
Act silly, play around, or do things in a careless way.
Literal meaning: To move and behave the way a monkey does — jumping, climbing, playing without purpose.
Meanings
1 A2
idiomatic
informal
To behave in a playful, silly, or irresponsible manner, especially when you should be doing something serious.
"Stop monkeying about and help me carry these boxes inside."
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To tamper with or handle something carelessly.
"Someone's been monkeying about with the settings on my computer again."
Usage notes
Predominantly British English. Often used by adults speaking to children, or to describe behaviour considered childish or irresponsible. Tone is usually mildly disapproving but not harshly critical.
Commonly used with
stop don't always children class equipment
Forms
Base
monkey about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
monkeys about
he/she/it
Past simple
monkeyed about
yesterday
Past participle
monkeyed about
have + pp
-ing form
monkeying about
continuous
Understand "monkey about" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "monkey about" on Looplines