Mule vs. Jackass — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on June 25, 2024
A mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse, while a jackass is another term for a male donkey.
Difference Between Mule and Jackass
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mules are hybrid animals, the progeny of a male donkey, known as a jack, and a female horse, known as a mare. This crossbreeding results in an animal known for its hardiness and ability to carry heavy loads. The term jackass, however, specifically refers to the male donkey, one of the parent animals needed to create a mule.
The word mule is often used in a literal sense to describe the animal itself but can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is stubborn or someone who carries drugs illegally. Jackass, on the other hand, can be a derogatory term for a foolish person, aside from its zoological meaning.
In the context of farm work, a mule is prized for its strength and endurance, often preferred over horses and donkeys for certain tasks. Jackass does not typically carry such connotations and is less commonly used in agricultural contexts.
Mules are sterile due to their hybrid genetic composition, which means they cannot reproduce. A jackass, being a purebred donkey, is fully capable of reproduction and is often bred with female horses to produce mules.
While mules have played a significant historical role in transportation and agriculture, the term jackass is less likely to be used in a neutral or positive context, often carrying a negative or humorous connotation when used to refer to a person.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
Male donkey
Reproduction
Sterile, cannot reproduce
Fertile, can reproduce
Usage in Language
Can denote stubbornness or a carrier of illicit goods
Often an insult implying foolishness
Role
Commonly used as a working animal
Used for breeding and sometimes work
Connotation
Generally neutral or work-related
Can be derogatory when referring to people
Compare with Definitions
Mule
Stubborn Person.
He was a mule when it came to changing his opinion.
Jackass
Male Donkey.
The jackass brayed loudly in the field.
Mule
Investment Term.
The mule in the financial strategy carried the least risk.
Jackass
Foolish Man.
He played the jackass in the comedy skit.
Mule
A machine, used in factories, for spinning cotton, wool, etc., into yarn or thread and winding it into cops; - called also jenny and mule-jenny.
Jackass
Obstinate Person.
Don't be such a jackass; just apologize!
Mule
Carrier.
The smuggler acted as a mule for the cartel.
Jackass
Slang Term.
The driver behind me was being a real jackass.
Mule
A mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes.
Jackass
A foolish or stupid person; a blockhead.
Mule
The sterile hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, characterized by long ears and a short mane.
Jackass
A male ass or donkey.
Mule
A sterile hybrid, as between a canary and other birds or between certain plants.
Jackass
A male donkey.
Mule
(Informal) A stubborn person.
Jackass
A foolish or stupid person.
Mule
A spinning machine that makes thread or yarn from fibers. Also called spinning mule.
Jackass
An inappropriately rude or obnoxious person.
Mule
A small, usually electric tractor or locomotive used for hauling over short distances.
Jackass
A kind of bootleg liquor.
Mule
(Slang) A person who serves as a courier of illegal drugs.
Jackass
The laughing kookaburra.
Mule
A backless slipper or shoe, often with a closed toe.
Jackass
(poker slang) A jack and an ace as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.
Mule
The generally sterile male or female hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
Jackass
To behave very obnoxiously.
Mule
The generally sterile hybrid offspring of any two species of animals.
Jackass
The male ass; a donkey.
Mule
A hybrid plant.
Jackass
A conceited dolt; a perverse blockhead; - disparaging and offensive.
Mule
(informal) A stubborn person.
Jackass
A man who is a stupid incompetent fool
Mule
(slang) A person paid to smuggle drugs.
Jackass
Male donkey
Mule
A coin or medal minted with obverse and reverse designs not normally seen on the same piece, either intentionally or in error.
Jackass
Entertainment.
Jackass was a popular TV show known for its stunts.
Mule
(RPG) A MMORPG character, or NPC companion in a tabletop RPG, used mainly to store extra inventory for the owner's primary character.
Mule
Any of a group of cocktails involving ginger ale or ginger beer, citrus juice, and various liquors.
Mule
(sailing) A kind of triangular sail for a yacht.
Mule
A kind of cotton-spinning machine.
Mule
A shoe that has no fitting or strap around the heel, but which covers the foot.
Mule
To smuggle (illegal drugs).
Mule
A hybrid animal; specifically, one generated between an ass and a mare. Sometimes the term is applied to the offspring of a horse and a she-ass, but that hybrid is more properly termed a hinny. See Hinny.
Mule
A plant or vegetable produced by impregnating the pistil of one species with the pollen or fecundating dust of another; - called also hybrid.
Mule
A very stubborn person.
Mule
A slipper that has no fitting around the heel.
Mule
Sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
Mule
A slipper that has no fitting around the heel
Mule
Hybrid Animal.
The farmer used the mule for plowing his fields.
Mule
Footwear.
She wore mules with her summer dress.
Common Curiosities
What does jackass mean?
It refers to a male donkey or can be slang for a foolish person.
Can mules reproduce?
No, mules are generally sterile and cannot have offspring.
Is jackass always an insult?
As slang, yes, it’s usually derogatory, but it also simply means male donkey.
What's the advantage of using a mule for work?
Mules are hardy, have great endurance, and are less prone to diseases.
How long do mules live?
Mules can live up to 30 years or more with proper care.
What's the temperament of a jackass?
Donkeys, including jackasses, are known to be intelligent, cautious, and often stubborn.
Are mules more like horses or donkeys?
They exhibit qualities of both but are generally stronger like donkeys.
What is a mule?
A mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
Why might someone prefer a mule over a horse for work?
Mules are often more durable and require less maintenance than horses.
Is it offensive to call someone a jackass?
In slang usage, it is considered offensive.
Do mules require special care?
They require care similar to horses but are often more resilient to tough conditions.
Why is a male donkey called a jackass?
"Jack" is a term for a male donkey; "ass" is another term for donkey.
How are mules created?
Through the breeding of a male donkey (jack) with a female horse (mare).
Can jackasses be trained?
Yes, like other equines, they can be trained for various tasks.
What work are jackasses used for?
They can be used for breeding, carrying loads, and as companions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
