Donkey
/ˈdʌŋ.ki/noun
A domesticated hoofed mammal used as a beast of burden, smaller than a horse and known for its stubbornness.
Did you know?Unlike words like mortgage or disaster, donkey has no secure ancient root; it seems to have emerged in English slang in the late 18th century, showing that even everyday words can be born from linguistic shadows.
Etymological Timeline
Late 18th Century
English
donkey
“A slang term for a small donkey or ass, later the standard word in everyday English.”
18th Century
English
dun
“A grayish-brown color term sometimes suggested as part of the formation, though not certain.”
18th Century
English
don
“An element sometimes proposed in folk explanations, but with no confirmed etymology for the animal name.”
Modern English
English
donkey
“The common English word for the animal, fully established in standard usage.”