donkey

Everyday

1. An animal like a small horse with long ears and a loud bray, used to carry loads or give rides. tree →
2. (informal, mildly rude) A silly or stupid person: Don't be a donkey! tree →
3. «donkey's years» (UK, informal) = a very long time. tree →

In the lessons

In science donkeys are mammals related to horses; in stories they carry loads and are stubborn; on British beaches children ride donkeys; in maths problems donkeys have 4 legs and carry loads. Phrases: «donkey ride», «donkey work» (dull hard work), «donkey's years», «stubborn as a donkey».

Examples

• We had a donkey ride on the beach. tree →
• The donkey carried bags of rice up the hill. tree →
• A donkey says «hee-haw». tree →
• I haven't seen her in donkey's years. tree →
• Who does all the donkey work around here? tree →
• Three donkeys have 12 legs altogether. tree →
• You silly donkey, you've put your shoes on the wrong feet! tree →
• ‘Here on the shoulders of a donkey.’ tree →

Note

Plural «donkeys» (not donkies: a vowel before y, so just add -s). A male is a jack, a female a jenny; a young one a foal. A mule is half donkey, half horse. Myth: donkeys are not stupid; they are careful and clever.