DONKEY Meaning and
Definition
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A donkey is a domesticated equine mammal known for its small size, sturdy build, and long ears. Scientifically named Equus asinus, it is closely related to horses and zebras. Standing about 3-4 feet tall at the shoulder, with an average weight of around 400-600 pounds, donkeys possess a compact yet muscular body structure. They are characterized by their strikingly long ears, which can measure up to a foot in length.
Donkeys are commonly used as work animals, known for their strength, endurance, and surefootedness. They have been domesticated for centuries and continue to be employed in various agricultural activities, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, donkeys are highly regarded for their resilience and adaptability, capable of thriving in arid and mountainous regions where other equines might struggle.
Their intelligence and calm temperament make donkeys favored companions and therapy animals. They are also used for recreational purposes, such as donkey rides or donkey shows. Donkeys are herbivores, grazing primarily on grass, hay, and other vegetation. They have a reputation for being stubborn, often portrayed as symbolizing obstinacy in various literary works and folklore.
In conclusion, donkeys are small domesticated equines notable for their compact build, long ears, and strength. They have been extensively used in agricultural work and are celebrated for their durability and adaptability. With a combination of intelligence, resilience, and calm disposition, donkeys have secured their place in various human activities and continue to be cherished for their distinctive qualities.
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An ass; a well-known domestic animal; a stupid person.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DONKEY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DONKEY
Etymology of DONKEY
The word "donkey" originated from the late 18th century, and its etymology is uncertain. However, it is believed to have derived from the earlier word "dun", meaning gray-brown in color, which was used to describe the animal's coat. The "key" element of the word might have been added simply for rhyming purposes. Additionally, there are speculations that it might have been influenced by the King of Spain, Carlos IV, who was known for his love of donkeys, and was referred to as "Don Carlos" or "Donkey Carlos" in a derogatory sense. However, this theory lacks concrete evidence.
Idioms with the word DONKEY
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talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey
The idiom "talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey" means to talk excessively or for an unusually long time, often in a persuasive or argumentative manner. It suggests that someone is capable of talking so much that they could even convince a donkey to lose one or both of its hind legs.
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do (all) the donkey work
The idiom "do (all) the donkey work" refers to doing the majority or the most difficult part of a task or project. It implies doing the laborious or mundane aspects of a job while others may contribute less effort or avoid the more challenging aspects.
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can talk the hind leg off a donkey
The idiom "can talk the hind leg off a donkey" is used to describe someone who talks excessively or has the ability to talk persuasively for an extended period, often overpowering or boring others with their endless conversation. It implies that the person's talkativeness is such that they could even convince a donkey to lose its hind leg through excessive conversation.
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donkey work
The idiom "donkey work" refers to tedious or hard physical labor that is menial, repetitive, or considered unpleasant. It implies doing tasks that require little skill or intellectual effort. The term is derived from the image of a donkey, known for its hard work and endurance, being assigned to perform demanding and low-status tasks.
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can talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey
The idiom "can talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey" refers to someone who is extremely talkative or persuasive, and has the ability to continuously engage in conversation or argument for an extended period of time without becoming tired or giving up. It implies that the person possesses exceptional communication skills and can dominate a conversation or discussion to the point that others cannot get a word in edgewise.
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talk the hind leg off a donkey
The idiom "talk the hind leg off a donkey" means someone who talks excessively or without pause, often to the point of annoyance or exhaustion for those listening. It suggests that the person is so talkative that they could even convince a donkey to lose its hind leg by talking to it.
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suck donkey balls
The phrase "suck donkey balls" is a highly vulgar and offensive term that is considered inappropriate and disrespectful. It refers to performing a degrading or submissive act, usually used to insult or demean someone. It is important to note that using such language is disrespectful and generally unacceptable in most social and professional settings.
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do the donkey work
The idiom "do the donkey work" refers to the necessary but unglamorous or tedious tasks that need to be done in order to complete a larger project or goal. It implies performing laborious or menial work that is often unnoticed or underappreciated.
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the straw that breaks the donkey's back
The idiom "the straw that breaks the donkey's back" refers to a small, seemingly insignificant thing that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable. It is a metaphor for the point at which a person or situation can no longer cope with additional stress or pressure.
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for donkey's years
The idiom "for donkey's years" means for a very long time, typically implying a tedious or monotonous duration.
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donkey's ears
The idiom "donkey's ears" refers to a long period of time, often used humorously to describe something that happened a long time ago. It implies that something has been going on for so long that it feels like donkey's ears.
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donkey's years
The idiom "donkey's years" is used to describe a very long time, often indicating that something has not happened or been done in a very long time. It is derived from the belief that donkeys live a long time, although this is not actually the case.
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the straw that broke the donkey's back
The final problem or burden that causes someone or something to finally collapse or succumb.
Similar spelling words for DONKEY
- Danek,
- dinkey,
- Teeing,
- tonic,
- tanga,
- honky-tonk,
- tung,
- doings,
- Dog's-tongue,
- fuel-tank,
- doung,
- Dawnika,
- Donkeys,
- tongue-shaped,
- Dungy,
- tongue-twisting,
- DNC/CNC,
- Tanika,
- Tongo,
- gin-and-tonic,
- TINGA-TINGA,
- dying,
- Tonica,
- gay-diang,
- TNG,
- DDNNIC,
- IV-DENIC,
- DNCOE,
- Dannica,
- Earth-tongue,
- tank-farming,
- un-doing,
- ill-doing,
- tongue-swallowing,
- tangy-sweet,
- dongyi,
- Tinka,
- dunnock,
- DM-DNK,
- anti-tank,
- slam-dunk,
- toying,
- tongue-lashing,
- Doing,
- tanguy,
- CNC/DNC,
- tank-trap,
- tanoak,
- game-tying,
- dinka,
- Danique,
- DENG,
- Duyoung,
- Tongue-shell,
- ding-a-ling,
- DNG,
- Bird's-tongue,
- Tewing,
- tongue-bone,
- Dannika,
- dank,
- Danko,
- Twankay,
- howdy-doing,
- monkey,
- egg-and-tongue,
- ST-TNG,
- post-deng,
- DWANGO,
- Tonguy,
- tongue-lash,
- WTNK,
- TNK,
- Tankia,
- silver-tongue,
- tanka,
- Long-tongue,
- tank,
- Dunc,
- drunk-tank,
- dying-off,
- DANKE,
- TENG,
- Tunke,
- DHNK,
- never-dying,
- TINIC,
- tannic,
- tongue-twister,
- Toeing,
- dying-day,
- tengu,
- tongue-tied,
- septic-tank,
- Deer's-tongue,
- tinca,
- tink,
- over-doing,
- Tangue,
- tongue-spatula,
- donk,
- tying,
- TNIEQ,
- Snake's-tongue,
- Bird'-tongue,
- Donnica,
- TUNGO,
- Well-doing,
- dingy,
- hart's-tongue,
- ting-a-ling,
- re-doing,
- Semi-tonic,
- dinghy,
- evil-doing,
- tang,
- frog-tongue,
- towing-boat,
- Tenneco,
- heel-and-toeing,
- tinku,
- Dwang,
- TNC,
- tongue-tie,
- dongo,
- tongue,
- danka,
- Hart-tongue,
- un-tying,
- Donika,
- Harts-tongue,
- TINAC,
- Tinnock,
- TNCC-P,
- Tineke,
- Tanakh,
- slip-tongue,
- dengue,
- tunga,
- tongue-and-groove,
- tongue-traction,
- dink,
- dinky,
- doonga,
- Tanach,
- Tongue-grafting,
- rinky-dink,
- DENIC,
- record-tying,
- Danika,
- Dinko,
- mother-tongue,
- triple-tongue,
- donkey-years,
- Danica,
- ding-dong-aah,
- cleft-tongue,
- strawberry-tongue,
- dung-hill,
- dyeing,
- Donica,
- Wrong-doing,
- donkey-work,
- tango,
- TUNC,
- Danaca,
- Taneka,
- tongue-in-cheek,
- DNQ,
- DNACO,
- ting,
- Tung-tung,
- TNK-TPA,
- dunk-shot,
- DANCC,
- hound's-tongue,
- Denica,
- tonka,
- tongue-lashes,
- tongue-waggings,
- TONOC,
- Tawing,
- Tonique,
- tongue-flower,
- DNC,
- wing-ding,
- Twank,
- twang,
- ding,
- twangy,
- wu-tang,
- out-doing,
- done,
- DENAC,
- ding-dong,
- Twink,
- Dang,
- be-dewing,
- dong,
- tonk,
- tongue-like,
- fly-tying,
- mis-doing,
- Towing,
- dung,
- tongue-tying,
- Teeong,
- downy ash,
- Tunk,
- tank-suit,
- Downs,
- Tong,
- think-tank,
- tongue-lashed,
- tangy,
- Tongue-pad,
- DINGOE,
- tongue-fish,
- dunk,
- domke,
- dingo,
- tongue-wagging,
- DNGO,
- Dung-fork,
- tonga,
- cock-a-doodle-dooing,
- Dewing,
- tunic,
- tongue-ties,
- tunica,
- Tu'ong,
- downes,
- TUNCA.
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