What it means
Means the whole lot, every last option, no skimping. You’ll hear it for a fry-up with all the trimmings, ticking every box on a deal, or going all in on a plan. The phrase was around before the 90s, but the film The Full Monty turbocharged it and added the cheeky wink of going starkers.
Usage examples
"Popped into the caff for brekkie and ordered the full monty. Beans, bacon, black pud, the lot. I waddled out like I’d been fed for winter."
"For the wedding breakfast they went the full monty, three courses, band and fireworks."
"A fry-up with the full monty, eggs, bacon, beans, the lot."
"If we're doing up the garden, let's do the full monty and get the decking, lights and a fire pit in."
"He didn't just buy a burger, he went the full monty with chips, onion rings and a thick shake."
Where it comes from
It was already knocking about in British English before the 1997 film, meaning the whole lot or the full works. Then The Full Monty blasted it into wider fame and gave it that cheeky extra wink about getting completely naked. The exact root of monty still isn't pinned down for sure.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Unexpected Giggle Hunter Official watcher of this expression
Tell me, what have you got for me?