“Not my circus, not my monkeys”—meaning “not my business”—is a Polish saying (nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy) that became popular in English by about 2013. “Not my circus, not my monkeys. But the clowns definitely know me” is an extension that has been printed on many images. The saying means that this mess is none of my business, but I’m familiar with it.
“Not my circus. Not my monkeys. Though I’m thinking one of the clowns look vaguely familiar” was posted on Twitter by Jo Gifford on June 26, 2014. “Not my circus, not my monkeys, but I think I recognise several of the clowns” was posted on Twitter by Alun Jones on November 20, 2019.
“Not my circus, not my monkeys. But the clowns definitely know me” was posted on Twitter by Cruncher on June 3, 2020. “Not my circus, not my monkeys. But the clowns definitely know me” was posted on Twitter by Teresa Lynn Lamey on June 7, 2020. The meme became popular on Facebook in December 2020.
Wiktionary: not my circus, not my monkeys
Etymology
Calque of Polish nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy.
Phrase
not my circus, not my monkeys
1. (colloquial) It’s none of my business; indicates that one is not responsible for controlling or changing a volatile or delicate situation.
Twitter
Jo Gifford
@MPI_Jo
Not my circus. Not my monkeys.
Though I’m thinking one of the clowns look vaguely familiar.
3:17 PM · Jun 26, 2014·Twitter for iPhone
Twitter
Alun Jones
@ftp_alun
Not my circus, not my monkeys, but I think I recognise several of the clowns.
9:15 AM · Nov 20, 2019·Twitter for Android
Twitter
Cruncher
@nonovery
Not my circus, not my monkeys. But the clowns definitely know me
7:04 AM · Jun 3, 2020 from Kaliwungu, Indonesia·Twitter for Android
Twitter
Teresa Lynn Lamey
@TeLynLa
Not my circus, not my monkeys. But the clowns definitely know me.
10:49 AM · Jun 7, 2020·Twitter for Android
Twitter
tish ❄
@Natishkaa_
Not my circus, not my monkey’s. But the clowns definitely know me.
7:26 PM · Jun 14, 2020 from Saint Lucia·Twitter for Android
Twitter
Aunty Omalicha♥
@fatchickydee
Not my circus
Not my monkeys
But the clowns definitely know me
2:07 AM · Jun 19, 2020·Twitter for Android
Twitter
Petty Betty (ItsTashaBi_tch)
@feelinfroggy181
Not my circus. Not my monkeys. But, the clowns definitely know me.
1:01 AM · Oct 16, 2020·Twitter for Android
Twitter
𝑲𝒊𝒕
@twitKhit
Not my circus, not my monkeys
But I definitely know the clowns
8:31 AM · Nov 5, 2020·Twitter for Android
Facebook
Crazy World
Not my circus, not my
monkeys. But the clowns
definitely know me.
December 20, 2020 at 4:07 PM ·
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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