Why Is 500 Called a Monkey? The Surprising Origin of Slang for Money

Ever heard someone say they made a monkey and wondered if they adopted a pet monkey as a side hustle? No - they’re talking about £500. In British slang, a ‘monkey’ isn’t a primate. It’s money. Specifically, five hundred quid. And yes, it’s been around longer than most of us have been alive.

Where Did ‘Monkey’ Come From?

The term ‘monkey’ for £500 didn’t pop up out of nowhere. It’s tied to British colonial history - specifically, India. Back in the 1800s, the British Empire ran a massive operation there, and currency circulated between soldiers, traders, and officials. One of the Indian banknotes in circulation featured a picture of a monkey. It was a 500 rupee note, and the image stuck. When British soldiers came home, they brought the slang with them. Over time, ‘monkey’ became shorthand for £500, not because of the animal itself, but because of the note it was printed on.

It’s not just monkeys either. The British have a whole zoo of money slang. A ‘pony’ is £25. A ‘grand’ is £1,000. A ‘score’ is £20. These terms aren’t random. They’re cultural fossils - remnants of how people talked about cash before ATMs, before digital payments, before credit cards even existed.

Why Not Just Say ‘Five Hundred’?

You might ask: why use slang at all? Why not just say ‘five hundred pounds’? Simple - it’s faster, sneakier, and sometimes, a little cooler. In markets, pubs, or street deals, saying ‘I need a monkey’ is quicker than ‘I need five hundred pounds.’ It also adds a layer of informality. If you’re talking to a mate about splitting the rent or paying for a night out, ‘monkey’ feels more natural than formal currency terms.

It’s also used to avoid drawing attention. In places where cash is still king - think flea markets, car boot sales, or private gigs - saying ‘monkey’ keeps things low-key. You’re not announcing how much you’ve got. You’re just whispering the code.

Is It Still Used Today?

Absolutely. Even in 2026, with contactless payments and apps like Revolut and PayPal dominating, ‘monkey’ hasn’t faded. It’s alive in London pubs, Manchester football terraces, and seaside towns where cash still changes hands. Older generations use it out of habit. Younger people pick it up from movies, music, and social media. Shows like Peaky Blinders and Top Boy keep the slang visible. Even rappers and influencers drop ‘monkey’ in lyrics and posts - not because they’re nostalgic, but because it sounds real.

Try this: walk into any independent shop in Oxford or Bristol and ask for a ‘monkey’ worth of groceries. You’ll get a smirk, maybe a chuckle, but you’ll get your bread and cheese. No one will think you’re talking about primates.

Other Money Slang You Should Know

If you’re curious about the zoo of British cash slang, here’s a quick guide:

• Pony = £25 - possibly from the old 25 rupee note in India, or from the phrase ‘pony up’ meaning to pay up.
• Grand = £1,000 - short for ‘grand sum,’ used since the early 1900s.
• Score = £20 - from the old practice of making a mark (a ‘score’) every 20 items.
• Bar = £1,000 - used in some areas, especially in the North.
• Quid = £1 - the most common term. No one knows exactly why, but it might come from the Latin phrase ‘quid pro quo.’

These aren’t just quirky words. They’re part of how people build trust, signal belonging, and keep traditions alive. When someone says ‘I need a pony,’ they’re not just asking for cash - they’re tapping into a shared cultural language.

Does It Work Outside the UK?

Not really. Outside the UK and Ireland, ‘monkey’ for £500 means nothing. Americans might think you’re talking about a zoo. Australians use ‘monkey’ for $500 too - but that’s because they borrowed British slang. In Canada, South Africa, or New Zealand, you’ll get blank stares unless you’re among older expats or people who grew up watching British TV.

So if you’re planning a trip to London and want to blend in, learn the lingo. But don’t try it in New York. You’ll end up buying a stuffed toy instead of a pint.

Why Does This Matter?

It’s easy to dismiss slang as childish or outdated. But language evolves through use, and money slang is one of the most enduring forms of it. It reflects history, class, humor, and identity. When you say ‘monkey,’ you’re not just naming an amount - you’re connecting to centuries of trade, empire, and everyday survival.

Think about it: people didn’t need to invent ‘monkey’ because they were lazy. They invented it because it worked. It was efficient. It was fun. It was theirs.

And that’s why, in 2026, you’ll still hear it in backrooms, on buses, and in late-night conversations over chips and gravy. The monkey’s still swinging - and it’s got £500 in its pocket.