The discussion centers around the origins of the phrase "freezing the balls off a brass monkey," exploring various explanations and theories regarding its meaning and historical context. Participants examine potential connections to military terminology and the physical properties of materials in cold conditions.
Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are competing explanations and skepticism about the validity of the commonly accepted origin story.
Some limitations include the lack of definitive historical evidence supporting the proposed explanations and the reliance on anecdotal accounts. The discussion also highlights assumptions about the physical behavior of materials in cold temperatures.
Integral said:It is my understanding that underneath the pyramids of cannon balls seen in drawings of 17th and 18th century military camps was a form called a brass monkey. When it got very cold, due to thermal contraction,the cannon balls, would become to small to remain on the from (brass monkey).
Thus "cold enough to freeze the (cannon) balls off of a brass monkey.