Donkey’s Years
🐴 Donkey’s years - A phrase meaning an exceptionally long time. Its exact origins are a tad murky, though there are a few spirited theories. Some suggest it’s a rhyming slang derived from “donkey’s ears,” considering their length, while others argue it hints at the impressive longevity of donkeys themselves. The idiom dates back to the late 19th century, making it a relatively younger horseplay in the stable of linguistic expressions.
Edward Lucas gave it a delightful appearance in “The Vermilion Box” (1916): “Now for my first bath for what the men call ‘donkey’s years,’ meaning years and years.”
Related and Similar Terms
- Eon’s time (Meaning: A long, indefinite period).
- Forever and a day (Meaning: An unusually long time).
- A coon’s age (Meaning: A very long time).
- Since the cow jumped over the moon (Meaning: An exaggeratedly long time).
Humorous Quotes
- “I’ve been waiting donkey’s years for my tea, you might have fetched it from China!” – A Cranky Old Timer
- “If I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years, does that make me an old mule?” – A Witty Grandpa
References and Suggestions:
Literature
- “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells – A classic that takes our fascination with time to another level.
- “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt – Explore what it would be like if time stood still for you.
Movies
- Forest Gump – An entertaining dive into decades of life with timeless wisdom.
- In Time – Investigates the value of time in a fascinating and literal race against it.
Songs
- “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper’s 80s classic that stands the test of time.
- “Yesterday” – The Beatles, reflecting on time and memory beautifully.
Quiz Time! 🎉
Put on your thinking caps because it’s time to test your idiom knowledge!
Thank you for joining this delightful exploration of expressions! Keep enjoying the woven wonders of words and remember, don’t wait donkey’s years to dive into the next fascinating idiom.
“In the world of words, time is not measured in minutes, but in memorable phrases.” - Penelope Ponderous
