Does the monkey have a root word?

The word "monkey" doesn't have a clear-cut root word in English. It's thought to have originated from either:

* Old French: "monikin" or "monnekin," meaning "little monk"

* Middle English: "monke," which could be a variant of "monk" or have an independent origin

The connection to "monk" is a bit of a stretch, as it's likely based on the resemblance of some monkeys to the shaved heads and clothing of monks.

Therefore, while there's no single root word in English, "monkey" likely arose from a combination of influences, making it a fascinating example of word evolution.