I haven't heard yet how the reason 'Monkey Wrench' is somehow offensive but I can understand the concept of speciest vocabulary. For instance, the insult 'pig thick' does carry the false implication that pigs are unintelligent animals, when they are clearly sentient. Use of such language clearly is implicit in desensitising humans from the pain of pigs, and such language should be avoided. It is one of those phrases that only truly demans the person who uses it.

But 'monkey wrench'? Frankly that sounds like you are taking the piss. I sometimes use the phrase 'dog-tired', is that speciest and I would rather discuss this on your blog if you have one, but I hope this thread will be allowed to stand here in leiu of that, simply so that the 'Norwegian Whaling Ship Scuttled' article can be cleared of irrelevant comments