This term can be confusing because it can pertain to many things but not monkey. Brass monkey is a phrase, a slang term that can be use to refer to weather or a kind of drink.  Brass monkey was first used C.A Abbey in his book Before the Mast in the year 1857, using the term to refer extreme coldness. But there were many beliefs as to where this phrase really originated. 

  Some believes that the phrase actually started during the Napoleonic War period. During this period guns and cannons were usually used, “Monkey” refers to a table or rail made of brass, which holds the cannon balls. But during a very cold weather the Brass Monkey, which holds the cannon balls will break making the cannon balls roll over. Somehow it does really refer to a very cold weather. Some might misunderstand it that Brass monkey’s testicles are losing when the weather is very cold. This is somewhat funny but it has nothing to do with monkey, the animal.

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