Well I’ll Be a Monkey’s Uncle!

Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle is a humorous exclamation meaning surprise, disbelief, or amazement. It’s used across the U.S. and often said in a playful, country tone.

#Southernish

synonyms: well I’ll be, I’ll be darned, I’ll be switched, unbelievable, land sakes

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard ''well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!' plenty of times, but I didn't think it was southern. Felt more like Three Stooges to me.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard ''well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!' plenty of times, but I didn't think it was southern. Felt more like Three Stooges to me.

Pronunciation

[Well I’ll be uh MUNK-eez UN-kul]
/ˈmʌŋkiːz ˈʌŋkəl/

Meaning & Usage

- Expression of surprise or disbelief

Hazel:

You fixed the tractor already?

Earl:

Yep.

Hazel:

Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!

variations: I’ll be a monkey’s uncle, well I’ll be!

Origin

This saying appeared in early 20th-century American humor, especially in Northern newspapers and comic strips.

Over time it spread nationwide, turning into a lighthearted exclamation used in movies, cartoons, and family conversation.

Though Southerners use it, the phrase is not Southern-born and has no roots in older Southern dialect tradition.

Verdict: Southernish. Popular everywhere, often delivered with a country twang, but not an authentic regional saying.

Notes

Used for playful shock, not genuine disbelief.
Common in mid-century comics and children’s books.
Rarely heard in formal speech; very casual and kid-friendly.
Pairs with exclamations like "Well shut my mouth!" or "Well butter my biscuit!" (those *are* Southern).

Common Questions

Is "Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle" a Southern saying?

Not originally. It’s national slang that later picked up a country flavor.

What does it mean?

It expresses surprise or disbelief.

Is it offensive?

No - it’s a mild, humorous expression.

When did it start?

Early 1900s American humor circles, not Southern folk speech.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 15). Well I’ll Be a Monkey’s Uncle!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/well-ill-be-a-monkeys-uncle
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Well I’ll Be a Monkey’s Uncle!." HillbillySlang.com, 15 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/well-ill-be-a-monkeys-uncle.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Well I’ll Be a Monkey’s Uncle!." HillbillySlang.com. November 15, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/well-ill-be-a-monkeys-uncle.

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