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thing can be said about this once fairly common used British slang phrase...
that it now has global familiarity within the English speaking world
thanks to the acclaimed 1997 film of the same name. Few people ever
expected this traditional and typical British film comedy to ever make
the big time globally, but once it hit the shores of the States there
was no looking back for the phrase. As the popularity of the movie spiralled,
interest in this unusual expression increased and the UK lost another
piece of its enigmatic vernacular to the world.
For those who
still don't know the real meaning of the phrase 'the full monty',
it means the whole amount. Unfortunately
its true origins, as with much slang, can only be speculated upon;
what is known is that although previously used mainly in the North
of England it really gained popularity throughout the UK in the early
1990's. Here's a selection of those origins:
The first three
relate to Field Marshall Montgomery, who was known by his troops
as Monty.
- Referencing
Montgomery's longwinded and fastidious military briefings during
WW2.
- From the full
collection of medals that adorned Field Montgomery's chest.
- Alternatively,
from the fact that Montgomery was rather partial to a very large
full English breakfast.... the full monty.
- Gambler's jargon
derived from the Spanish for mountain (monte) and meaning the entire
pot or kitty that is to be bet.
- A reference
to a 1980's Del Monte television advert for fruit juice, in which
the characters ask for the full del monte.
- A corruption
of the phrase 'the full amount'.
- A reference
to the supply of 'demob' suits for discharged soldiers, supplied
by the British tailors Montague Burton. Those acquiring the aforementioned
suits would be promised the chance to walk proudly into civilian
life in the full monty.
Renowned linguists
all have their own etymological favourites, and in their professional
capacity attempt to discount the other speculations through their
rational analysis of the facts. In my role as a less than intellectual
linguist, I'll stand back and wait with bated breath for the unlikely
day they may all agree. Until that time it's down to personal choice...
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