Little Queenie
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2010
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Thanks Elwood, that's very enlightening. Nothing like a bunch of Skinheads engaged on an etymological quest!
Think you could both be right here. A couple of online dictionaries I've looked at give definition of "monkey jacket" as short, close-fitting jacket worn by sailors, waiters & officers in mess and one gives origin of that usage as 1820 - 1830 "from its resemblance to a jacket worn by an organ- grinder's monkey".
Thanks Elwood, that's very enlightening. Nothing like a bunch of Skinheads engaged on an etymological quest!