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donkey

n.
US //ˈdɑŋki// UK //dˈɒŋki// don·key
  1. 1 the animal (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a grey or brown animal with long ears that is related to the horse.

    a domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family, typically smaller than a horse and possessing long ears and a tufted tail.

    Example

    The farmer used a donkey to carry heavy bags of grain up the hill.

    Example

    In many rural regions, the donkey remains an essential pack animal due to its remarkable endurance and ability to navigate rocky terrain.
  2. 2 a stubborn person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    someone who is very stubborn and refuses to change their mind.

    a person characterized by obstinate or headstrong behavior.

    Example

    Stop being such a donkey and just listen to my advice.

    Example

    His reputation as a donkey was well-earned, as he refused to compromise even when presented with overwhelming evidence against his position.

    Teacher's tip

    Often used as a mild insult to describe someone who is being difficult on purpose.
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  1. 3 a bad poker player (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang

    a player who makes bad decisions or plays poorly in a game of poker.

    a derogatory term for an unskilled or weak poker player who plays too many hands or makes irrational bets.

    Example

    The professional player won easily because he was playing against a donkey.

    Example

    The veteran gambler sat patiently at the table, waiting for the donkey to make a predictable mistake and lose his entire stack of chips.

    Teacher's tip

    Commonly used in online gambling communities; can be shortened to 'donk'.
  2. 4 an auxiliary engine (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    a small extra engine used on a ship or for heavy work.

    a small auxiliary engine used for secondary purposes such as pumping water or powering winches on a vessel.

    Example

    The crew started the donkey to help lift the heavy cargo onto the deck.

    Example

    Before the main boilers were fully pressurized, the engineers relied on the donkey engine to provide power for the ship's essential auxiliary systems.

    Usage

    Often appears in the compound 'donkey engine'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a specialized term mostly found in historical maritime or industrial contexts.
    • donkey engine
Origin

The origin is uncertain. Originally a slang term from the late eighteenth century. Perhaps from Middle English *donekie (“a miniature dun horse”), a double diminutive of Middle English don, dun, dunne (a name for a dun horse), equivalent to modern English dun (“brownish grey colour”) + -ock (diminutive suffix) + -ie (diminutive suffix), or similarly formed from the given name Duncan. Compare Middle English donning (“a dun horse”), English dunnock. Became more common than the original term ass due to the latter's homophony and partial merger with arse (compare similar development between coney and rabbit).

Idioms4 entries

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