Where did monkey see do come from?

The phrase "monkey see, monkey do" is a shortened version of a longer proverb, "Monkey see, monkey do, monkey hear, monkey speak."

The origin of this proverb is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in East Asia, possibly China.

Here's what we know:

* Early appearances: The proverb is found in English writing as early as the 18th century, but it likely existed in spoken language long before that.

* Similarity to other proverbs: It shares similarities with proverbs found in other languages, suggesting a long and widespread tradition of using monkeys to illustrate the concepts of imitation and learning.

* Cultural significance: The proverb reflects a common understanding of primate behavior, where young animals learn by observing and copying the actions of their elders.

While the exact origins remain a mystery, "monkey see, monkey do" is a proverb that has traveled across cultures and languages, highlighting a universal truth about learning and imitation.