What Are “Flying Monkeys”? People Who Carry Someone Else’s Story for Them

The Fact

BROADSIDE DEFINITION: Flying Monkeys: Third parties who carry, reinforce, or distribute a manipulator’s narrative rather than engaging directly with the person involved. They may knowingly or unknowingly repeat accusations, concerns, or interpretations that originated from a single source, creating the appearance of consensus or social proof. This dynamic amplifies narrative control by multiplying one perspective into many voices, increasing psychological pressure and reputational impact.
Unknowing Flying Monkey: Misled helper who thinks they’re doing the right thing.
Willing Flying Monkey: Person who knowingly participates for advantage or loyalty.

“Flying monkeys” is a term used in psychology writing about narcissistic and controlling relationships. It borrows from The Wizard of Oz, where the Wicked Witch sends her winged monkeys to do her bidding. Psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula explains the term in her video series “Glossary of Narcissistic Relationships.”

Separately, research on the “illusion of consensus” has found that people tend to find a claim more convincing when they hear it from several people — even when all of those people got it from the same single source.