The phrase “It is cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey” has an interesting origin that dates back to the era of warships and cannons. The term “brass monkey” refers to a specific object used on these ships, and understanding its purpose sheds light on why it became associated with extreme cold.
During naval battles, cannons were an essential part of a warship's arsenal. To keep the cannons stable and prevent them from rolling around on the deck during rough seas, iron cannonballs were often stacked in pyramidal formations. These cannonballs were heavy and could cause significant damage if they were to come loose and roll around unpredictably.
To prevent this, a brass plate with indentations, known as a “brass monkey” or “monkey,” was placed on the deck. The purpose of the brass monkey was to hold the iron cannonballs securely in place. The indentations on the brass plate were specifically designed to cradle the bottom cannonball, ensuring stability and minimizing the risk of accidents.
Now, here comes the intriguing part. Brass and iron have different properties when it comes to temperature changes. Brass has a higher coefficient of linear expansion than iron, meaning it expands and contracts more with temperature variations. When exposed to extreme cold, such as during frigid weather conditions, the brass plate would contract significantly.
As the brass plate contracted, the indentations that held the cannonballs in place became smaller. Eventually, if the temperature dropped low enough, the brass contracted so much that it caused the cannonballs to loosen and fall out of their precarious positions. This phenomenon gave rise to the saying “cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey.”
It is worth noting that this phrase is more of a figurative expression rather than a literal statement about the freezing of monkey body parts. The term “brass monkey” has become synonymous with extreme cold due to its association with the contraction of the brass plate and the subsequent dislodging of the cannonballs.
The origin of this phrase showcases the ingenuity and practicality of naval engineers and the challenges they faced in maintaining the stability and functionality of warships. It also serves as a reminder of the harsh conditions sailors endured during their voyages, particularly in cold climates.
The term “brass monkey” in the expression “It is cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey” refers to the brass plate used to secure iron cannonballs on warships. The contraction of the brass plate in freezing temperatures caused the cannonballs to fall out, giving rise to the association of extreme cold with the phrase.