What is a Monkey in betting?
In UK betting slang, a monkey refers to £500. It is used to describe the amount of money being staked, rather than a specific type of bet or betting strategy.
The term is most common in horse racing, where large sums are often wagered, but it can also appear in discussions about other sports such as football, tennis, or rugby. Using “monkey” provides a concise way to communicate substantial stakes without always stating the exact figure.
The term is frequently used in various betting contexts, including bookmaker shops, casual conversations among bettors, and sports betting discussions.
For example:
- “I put down two monkeys on the horse.” - This means the bettor staked £1,000 in total, as each monkey represents £500.
Related article: What is Nickel in sports betting terms?
Origin of the term
The most prevalent and widely accepted theory traces the term's origin to the British Raj in India. British soldiers stationed in India were said to have called the 500 rupee note a "monkey" because it featured an image of a monkey.
When these soldiers returned to the United Kingdom, they brought this piece of slang with them. It became embedded in the vernacular of certain communities, particularly in horse racing and bookmaking circles.
Over time, the term was naturally applied to the similar-value British sum of £500, and it remains a recognised part of UK betting slang today.
Other slang related to Monkey in Betting
The term “monkey” did not exist in isolation; it is part of a broader set of British betting slang. Much of this slang has its roots in Cockney rhyming slang and the vernacular of bookmakers’ shops, creating a colourful language for discussing stakes without always stating exact figures.
These slang terms are widely recognised across UK betting circles and often appear in horse racing, football, and other sports where wagers are made. Bettors use them to quickly convey the size of a stake in casual conversation or when placing bets at a bookmaker.
The table below highlights some of the most common monetary slang terms used alongside “monkey”:
Slang Term | Amount |
|---|---|
Fiver | £5 |
Tenner | £10 |
Score | £20 |
Pony | £25 |
Bull’s Eye | £50 |
Ton | £100 |
Monkey | £500 |
Grand | £1,000 |
Bag / Bag of money | £1,000+ |
Examples in context:
- “I’ll put down a fiver on the second horse and a monkey on the favourite.” → £5 on the second horse, £500 on the favourite.
- “He backed a Ton on the football match and a grand on the rugby game.” → £100 on the football match, £1,000 on the rugby game.
Related article: What Is a Unit in sports betting?
Conclusion
A monkey in betting refers simply to £500. It is a long-standing piece of UK slang that originated from historical usage and later became part of the vocabulary in bookmaker shops and betting discussions. Understanding terms like “monkey” helps bettors follow conversations, interpret stake sizes, and recognise the cultural language that has shaped UK betting over time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is a Monkey the same as a Nickel?
No. In UK betting, a "monkey" is £500. A "nickel" refers to $500 in American betting slang. They represent the same amount but in different currencies and are used in their respective countries.
Can “Monkey” be used outside the UK?
While it originated in the UK, the term is also recognised in other Commonwealth countries with strong betting cultures, such as Ireland and Australia, though it is less common than in the UK.
Is the term “Monkey” still used today?
Yes, though it's less common in online betting. It remains a well-known term in traditional betting shops, horse racing circles, and among seasoned bettors as part of the sport's historical vernacular.
Are these terms used for winnings or just stakes?
Primarily for stakes. A bettor says, "I put a monkey on it." However, the term can be understood in the context of winnings, e.g., "I won a monkey," meaning the profit was around £500.
Do bookmakers understand these terms?
Yes, absolutely. Especially in traditional high-street betting shops, staff are very familiar with these slang terms. It's a standard part of the industry's language, particularly in the context of horse racing.
What is half a Monkey?
Half a monkey would be £250. While not a standard slang term itself, it is a logical construction that would be understood in betting circles if used to describe a stake of that specific amount.