English
Etymology
There are two popular possible etymologies. According to the OED, the first one is �perhaps the most plausible� and the second one �unsubstantiated�.
(The purchase of) a full three piece suit from Montague Maurice Burton (1885-1952) founder of W:Burton (clothes retailer)|Burton Menswear.
A reference to W:Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein|Field Marshall Monty, his habits (such as laying fully formed meticulous battle plans) or some other feature of his.
The etymology was covered by the BBC documentary w:Balderdash and Piffle|Balderdash and Piffle. There was first hand oral evidence from the 1950s for the Burton theory. Popular enough to be registered as a shop name for a cafe in 1978.
Noun
full monty
- british colloquial All inclusive; everything; a whole package.
#: I thought he was only going to buy the basic kit, but he bought the full monty.
Usage notes
Usually with the.
Category:Unknown etymology
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