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to have a monk on

English translation: more info

04:02 Aug 24, 2001
English language (monolingual) [Non-PRO]
English term or phrase: to have a monk on
Would anybody know where the idiom "to have a monk on" originates? If so, please indicate your sources. Thank you.
Anja
Selected answer:more info
Explanation:
Hi again,

I have found a reference to this expression in the dictionary of colloquialisms:

"monk on Noun. A bad mood, a temper. (Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire/NE Midlands use) "

Thinking about it further, I realise that one possible explanation is that often monks were bound to silence as part of their vows and the main characteristic of someone 'with a monk on' would be looking straight-faced and not saying a word...

Just need to prove this hypothesis, now...
Selected response from:

Julia Gal
Local time: 13:10
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
naNorse origin?
Julia Gal
namore info
Julia Gal


  

Answers


37 mins
Norse origin?


Explanation:
Hi Anja,

AFAIK, 'have a monk on' is not very common outside the (East) Yorkshire area and means 'to sulk' or 'to be in a bad mood'.

I would assume, therefore that it is of Viking (Norse) origin, like so many other words in the Hull / Grimsby dialect.

Unfortunately, I am not at home right now and don't have access to suitable reference material, but I would suggest you check out old Norse / viking sources...

Hope this helps (or at least gives you a starting point)...

Best wishes,

Julia


Julia Gal
Local time: 13:10
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in FrenchFrench
PRO pts in pair: 112
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

50 mins
more info


Explanation:
Hi again,

I have found a reference to this expression in the dictionary of colloquialisms:

"monk on Noun. A bad mood, a temper. (Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire/NE Midlands use) "

Thinking about it further, I realise that one possible explanation is that often monks were bound to silence as part of their vows and the main characteristic of someone 'with a monk on' would be looking straight-faced and not saying a word...

Just need to prove this hypothesis, now...



    Reference: http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/m.htm
Julia Gal
Local time: 13:10
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in FrenchFrench
PRO pts in pair: 112
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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