Definition of Infinite-Monkey Theorem

Infinite-Monkey Theorem

the theory that if you put an infinite number of monkeys in front of typewriters, given an infinite amount of time, they will eventually duplicate one or more Shakespeare scripts.
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
Last edited on Nov 10 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

In mid-2002, researchers at Plymouth University in England actually put a working computer in a cage with six crested macaques. The monkeys proceeded to bash the machine with a rock, urinate on it, and type the letter S a lot (later, the letters A, J, L, and M also crept in). The results were published in a limited-edition book, Notes Towards The Complete Works of Shakespeare. A researcher reported:

"They were quite interested in the screen, and they saw that when they typed a letter, something happened. There was a level of intention there."
Last edited on May 16 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

This theorem has been traced to the mathematician E'mile Borel in 1913, and was first popularized by the astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington. It became part of the idiom of techies via the classic SF short story "Inflexible Logic" by Russell Maloney, and many younger hackers know it through a reference in Douglas Adams's "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

On 1 April 2000 the usage acquired its own Internet standard, RFC2795 - Infinite Monkey Protocol Suite.
Last edited on May 16 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Other terms relating to 'computer slang':
coaster	Definitions include: to ruin writable optical media via a write ("burn") attempt which fails.
beta	Definitions include: marijuana.
system	Definitions include: a computer system.
IMYSFM	Definitions include: acronym for "I miss you so fucking much."
charityware	Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
MRW	Definitions include: acronym for "my reaction when".
banhammer	Definitions include: a metaphorical hammer that is wielded by operators or moderators when banning one or more users from an online community.
ACK	Definitions include: as a question, to enquire whether someone is present.
page in	Definitions include: A synonym of "swap in".
horked	Definitions include: broken; ruined.
big iron	Definitions include: mainframe or mainframes.
LMFAO	Definitions include: acronym for "laughing my fucking ass off".
thrash	Definitions include: in a computer system, to be stuck performing some activity repeatedly but not making progress.
AFK	Definitions include: acronym of "away from keyboard."
TYT	Definitions include: acronym for "take your time".
(show 590 more)

Other terms relating to 'monkey':
*ss monkey	Definitions include: to be or act totally stupid
brass monkeys	Definitions include: very cold.
butt monkey	Definitions include: a silly or ineffectual person.
butt monkeyed	Definitions include: extremely intoxicated.
cheese-eating surrender monkey	Definitions include: a Frenchman.
code monkey	Definitions include: a person who writes (source) code; "programmer".
desk monkey	Definitions include: a person who has a menial job and who works at a desk.
funky monkey	Definitions include: a funky person.
give a monkey's	Definitions include: to care a tiny amount, always used in the negative
go iron monkey	Definitions include: to severely injure someone.
grease monkey	Definitions include: a mechanic.
jizz monkey	Definitions include: One who cleans up ejaculate at a peepshow.
juice monkey	Definitions include: someone with muscles who looks big and macho.
Like a monkey on a stick	Definitions include: This describes one who is handy and skilled at stimulating penises.
*look like a monkey fcking a football**	Definitions include: to perform terribly.
(show 27 more hide)

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