donkey
UK[ˈdɒŋki]US[ˈdɑːŋki]
n
a grey or brown animal of the horse family, with long ears and a loud call, used for carrying loads or riding
Etymology
the origin of the word 'donkey' is obscure, emerging in english in the late 1700s. the most plausible theory suggests it derives from the common name 'duncan', used as a generic name for an animal, much like 'jack' for a male donkey. another theory links it to the adjective 'dun', describing the animal's typical coat color, combined with the diminutive suffix '-key'. its adoption replaced the older term 'ass', which began to acquire potentially offensive connotations, illustrating how language evolves due to social sensibilities.
Analysis
the word 'donkey' is a simplex word. its origin is uncertain, but it is likely a late 18th-century slang term, possibly from the name 'duncan' or from the color 'dun' (a dull greyish-brown) combined with the diminutive suffix '-key', or perhaps influenced by the verb 'don' (to put on).
Examples
the farmer used a donkey to carry the heavy sacks of grain from the field.
the children enjoyed a ride on the gentle donkey at the petting zoo.
he can be as stubborn as a donkey when he doesn't want to do something.