Pronunciation: [hˈɪni] (IPA) 
The word "hinny" is spelled with a double "n" to distinguish it from "hiny," which is a slang term for buttocks. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈhɪn.i/ and it is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a soft "n" sound. A hinny is a hybrid between a male horse and a female donkey. Due to its unique breeding, hinny is often used as a metaphor for something that is a rare or unusual mixture.
A "hinny" is a noun that refers to an equine animal resulting from the crossbreeding of a male horse or stallion and a female donkey or mare. It is the reciprocal hybrid offspring of a mule, which is the result of a male donkey or jack being bred to a female horse or mare. The hinny is considered the reverse cross, with a horse as the sire and a donkey as the dam.
Physically, a hinny usually displays traits that are intermediate between those of its parent species. It typically has the body shape and size of a horse, but may inherit certain characteristics from the donkey, such as its long ears, short mane, and its resistance to some equine diseases. The hinny also tends to have the donkey's endurance and stamina, making it well-suited for labor-intensive tasks.
These equine hybrids have been historically bred for their working ability, notably in agriculture and transportation. Although hinny breeding is less common than mules due to genetic incompatibilities, hinnies are still occasionally produced and are valued for their hardiness and adaptability. Additionally, hinny breeding can contribute to the preservation of certain traits and characteristics from both parent species, and thus serves as a means of infusing diversity into the equine population.
• To neigh.
• The foal of a horse and a she-ass; a mule.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hinny" is derived from the Middle French term "hiné" or "anne", which meant a female donkey. It ultimately traces its origin back to the Latin word "hinnus", meaning a young horse or mule. Over time, "hiné" evolved into "hinny" in English, referring specifically to the offspring of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny).
