Pronunciation: [mˈʌnkɪ ɹˈɛnt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the tool called a monkey wrench is often debated. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the name of the inventor, Charles Moncky. The word is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˈrɛntʃ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a nasal 'ng' sound at the beginning of 'monkey'. The spelling 'monkey' comes from the Old English word 'monkig', meaning "impish" or "mischievous".
A monkey wrench is a type of hand tool used for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and various types of fasteners. It is a versatile and adjustable wrench that typically has a long handle with a fixed jaw on one end and a movable jaw on the other. The jaws of a monkey wrench are serrated and designed to provide a firm grip on the object being worked on.
The term "monkey wrench" is derived from the tool's ability to perform tasks beyond regular wrenches. With its adjustable jaw, this wrench can be set to fit various sizes of objects, rendering it a flexible tool for different mechanical applications. Its design allows for substantial torque to be applied, making it highly effective in turning objects that have become stuck due to rust or excessive tightening.
The monkey wrench's historical roots can be traced back to Charles Moncky, an English engineer who developed the tool in the 19th century. It quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and ease of use. Since then, it has become a staple in the toolkits of mechanics, plumbers, and other professionals involved in construction, maintenance, and repair work.
In addition to its practical uses, the term "monkey wrench" is also occasionally employed in figurative language. It is synonymous with disrupting or interfering with a process, plan, or system, alluding to the tool's ability to dismantle or interrupt machinery.
The word "monkey wrench" has an interesting etymology. "Monkey wrench" is primarily used in American English, while "spanner" is the more commonly used term in British English.
The term "monkey wrench" originated in the late 18th century in England, but it wasn't initially used to refer to the tool we now know as a monkey wrench. Instead, it was used to describe a tool consisting of a screw with a movable jaw that could be adjusted to fit different sizes of bolts and nuts. This tool was sometimes used by smiths to hold hot metal pieces.
The connection between this tool and the monkey wrench as we know it today is not entirely clear. One possibility is that the word "monkey" was used to describe any small or miscellaneous tool, much like the term "monkey pot" for a small mortar used in grinding.
