Donkey vs. Jackass — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 23, 2023
A donkey is a domesticated hoofed mammal known for its endurance and strength, while jackass is a term for a male donkey and colloquially refers to a foolish person.
Difference Between Donkey and Jackass
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Key Differences
Donkey is a term that generically refers to a certain hoofed mammal, used particularly in the context of its domestication and its attributes, such as its ability to bear loads. Jackass, on the other hand, specifically refers to the male of the species.
Historically, donkeys have been invaluable to humans for transportation, agriculture, and various other tasks because of their endurance and patience. The term jackass, while denoting a male donkey, has evolved in common parlance to also describe a person behaving in a stubborn or foolish manner.
One can find donkeys in various parts of the world, assisting in different capacities from pulling carts to being ridden. A jackass, being gender-specific, is just a subset of the donkey population, but its colloquial usage often eclipses its literal meaning.
In literature and media, the donkey often symbolizes patience, hard work, and resilience. On the other hand, calling someone a jackass in casual conversation is a way to criticize their behavior or decision-making.
It's noteworthy that while both terms stem from the same animal species, their connotations and usages can be starkly different. Donkey usually remains neutral or positive, emphasizing the animal's utility and significance, while jackass can carry a negative, derisive tone, especially when referring to a person.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A domesticated hoofed mammal.
A male donkey.
Gender
Refers to both male and female of the species.
Specifically male.
Colloquial Meaning
Generally neutral.
Often used to describe a foolish person.
Historical Role
Used for transportation, agriculture, etc.
Denotes male donkeys, but also evolved as a term for a stubborn person.
Symbolism
Symbolizes patience, hard work, and resilience.
Can symbolize stubbornness or foolishness.
Compare with Definitions
Donkey
A herbivorous mammal belonging to the horse family.
The child was delighted to see a donkey at the petting zoo.
Jackass
An informal derogatory term.
She couldn't believe he was being such a jackass about the situation.
Donkey
A symbol of determination and hard work in various cultures.
He was the donkey of the team, always working hard and never complaining.
Jackass
A term sometimes used to denote stubbornness.
Don't be a jackass; listen to the advice given to you.
Donkey
(Slang) An obstinate person.
Jackass
Colloquially, a foolish or stupid person.
He acted like a total jackass at the party last night.
Donkey
(Slang) A stupid person.
Jackass
A foolish or stupid person; a blockhead.
Donkey
A domestic animal, Equus asinus asinus, similar to a horse.
Jackass
A male donkey.
Donkey
A stubborn person.
Jackass
A foolish or stupid person.
Donkey
A fool.
Jackass
An inappropriately rude or obnoxious person.
Donkey
(nautical) A small auxiliary engine.
Donkey engine
Jackass
A kind of bootleg liquor.
Donkey
A box or chest, especially a toolbox.
Jackass
The laughing kookaburra.
Donkey
(poker slang) A bad poker player.
Jackass
(poker slang) A jack and an ace as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.
Donkey
British sea term for a sailor's storage chest.
Jackass
To behave very obnoxiously.
Donkey
The symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
Jackass
A conceited dolt; a perverse blockhead; - disparaging and offensive.
Donkey
A domesticated animal used for work and transport.
The farmer relied on his donkey to help plow the fields.
Jackass
A man who is a stupid incompetent fool
Donkey
A sturdy animal known for its patience and endurance.
The donkey patiently carried the heavy load up the hill.
Jackass
Male donkey
Donkey
A creature with long ears and a braying call.
The donkey's loud bray echoed through the farm.
Jackass
A term that has cultural and media references, often comedic.
The movie Jackass showcased a series of dangerous stunts and pranks.
Common Curiosities
Are mules and donkeys the same?
No, a mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jackass) and a female horse.
Is "jackass" always a derogatory term?
While "jackass" refers to a male donkey, it is also used colloquially to describe someone acting foolishly.
Are all donkeys stubborn?
While donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn, they're often just cautious or intelligent in their actions.
Can you call a female donkey a jackass?
No, a jackass specifically refers to a male donkey.
Are donkeys and jackasses found worldwide?
While native to Northeastern Africa, domesticated donkeys are now found worldwide.
Why do donkeys have a loud bray?
Donkeys' bray, which can last for 20 seconds, helps them communicate over long distances.
Why might someone use "jackass" in casual conversation?
It's often used to describe someone behaving foolishly or making poor decisions.
Is the term "jackass" used in formal writing?
Typically, "jackass" is informal and might not be suitable for formal contexts.
Are donkeys intelligent?
Yes, donkeys are intelligent, which sometimes is mistaken for stubbornness.
How long have humans domesticated donkeys?
Donkeys have been domesticated for thousands of years, serving as work animals.
Is it offensive to call someone a donkey?
Context matters. In some cultures, it might be light-hearted, but it can also be derogatory.
Do donkeys get along with other farm animals?
Generally, yes. In fact, they are often kept with livestock as protectors against predators like coyotes.
Why might a donkey be preferred over a horse in some situations?
Donkeys often have better endurance and are more sure-footed in rough terrains.
Can you ride a donkey like a horse?
Yes, donkeys can be ridden, though they're generally slower than horses.
How do jackasses differ from female donkeys in behavior?
Behavior can vary, but jackasses, being male, might exhibit more territorial behaviors.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
