Is the phrase "I'll be a monkey's uncle" an allusion to evolution?

Answer 1

It's a subconscious acknowledgment of truth.

Answer 2

Well, technically no, because we're evolution cousins, not uncles/aunts/nephews/nieces. :P

Although, it was apparently coined by someone who rejected Darwin's original theory around the time it was first presented:

"It is thought to have been a reference to Darwin's "Origin of Species" of 1859, in which he argued the close relationship between humans, apes and monkeys. One may recall the famous debate between "Soapy Sam" Wilberforce, the Bishop of Oxford, and Thomas Huxley, in which the bishop asked sarcastically whether "it was through Huxley's grandfather or grandmother that Huxley claimed his descent from a monkey." Most reference books suggest the expression dates from the 1920s, but it might be older. There is the parody of Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha" in James Parton's compendium "The Humorous Poetry of the English Language". It's said to be from "Punch" but is undated; however, it must have appeared in that magazine before 1881, when the book came out:
Out came sundry comic Indians
Of the tribe of Kut-an-hack-um.
With the growling Downy Beaver,
With the valiant Monkey's Uncle.
This may be just an accident of invention, but the date fits."

Answer 3

Only in the minds of rednecks and idiots...but that is probably where it came from. Of course there was a Disney Movie called ''The Monkey's Uncle" Some may have gotten the phrase from that.

Answer 4

There is a disturbing trend of scientists, teachers, and students coming under attack for expressing support in the theory of intelligent design, or even just questioning evolution. The freedom of scientists, teachers, and students to question Darwin's theory, or to express alternative scientific hypothesis is coming under increasing attack by people that can only be called Darwinian fundamentalists.”

New Ben Stein Flick, Expelled, Blows the Whistle on Evolution.
Expelled is a disturbing new documentary that will shock anyone who thinks all scientists are free to follow the evidence wherever it may lead.

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/

Answer 5

Close, it came about from the feeling of the public during the Scopes Monkey Trial which involved the theory of evolution.

Answer 6

For the atheist who came and go through evolution from the monkeys.
jtm

Answer 7

Hahaha, Haven't Heard that in Years!
Thanks for the Laugh!

Answer 8

Actually it is. Back when the idea first came about, people found the theory so ridiculous they began to say that.

Answer 9

i always assumed it was an allusion to ronald reagan. wasn't he bonzo's uncle?

Answer 10

Um, yes.

You know you look like Santa Claus in that avatar.