This week’s column is about two popular ‘donkey’ expressions: donkey’s years, and donkey work.
So, what is a donkey expression?
A donkey is called an ass, which is a shortening of the scientific name Equus africanus asinus. A stupid or a foolish person is called an ass or a donkey. It makes us wonder whether the donkey is really a stupid animal. Though it is a popular misconception that donkeys are stupid animals, donkeys are otherwise intelligent animals.
The expression ‘donkey’s years’ means a very long time. It is a pun on donkey’s ears which are very long. The expression, though known in the USA and other parts of the world, is used mainly in British English. The idea is supported by the belief that donkeys can live for 25 to 35 years. Look at the following examples:
* A: Your report is of poor quality and it should be modified. How long did you take to write the report?
B: Three weeks.
A: Three weeks? You have done it for donkey’s years.
* She has been an ordinary lecturer for donkey’s years though her juniors have been promoted to higher positions.
‘Donkey work’ is an informal expression used in British, American and Australian English. It means hard and boring work. What is the story behind the expression? Donkeys, known as beasts of burden, are used for carrying heavy loads in many countries. They are predominantly used for work and are bred for this purpose in developing countries like Ethiopia. They are used for pack transport, pulling carts and riding to ease the physical burden on humans. Asking humans to do such work is considered unfair. The expression ‘donkey work’ refers to routine and menial hard work that requires less thinking. Look at these examples:
* It is not fair to ask the experienced teachers to do the donkey work. The HoD should know how to utilise their talents properly.
* Mala resigned her job because she had to do donkey work.
— rayanal@yahoo.co.uk