Used to describe cold weather, this saying derives from the traditional Navy phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey". This references the brass structure or 'monkey' where cannon balls were stacked.

The expression: "It is cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey" comes from the practice of putting iron cannon balls on a dimpled brass plate on the deck of a war-ship. When very cold the brass contracted sufficiently to cause the iron balls to fall out.

Yes, the brass monkey is a real drink! The recipe is typically made with orange juice, vodka, and dark rum. Can you still buy brass monkey liquor? Yes, brass monkey liquor is still available for purchase.

It is often stated that the phrase originated from the use of a brass tray, called a "monkey", to hold cannonballs on warships in the 16th to 18th centuries. Supposedly, in very cold temperatures the "monkey" would contract, causing the balls to fall off.