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donkey's years. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
donkey's years, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
donkey's years in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
1876 or earlier. Possibly chosen because donkeys can be long-lived animals.[1] Despite the similarity, pre-dates and likely not directly related to donkey's ears, a less frequently used rhyming slang term for years.[1]
Pronunciation
Noun
donkey's years pl (plural only)
- (UK, Ireland, Commonwealth, idiomatic) A long time, years and years.
- 1876, The Salisbury Times:[1]
- Didn't you ask him how long it had been in his possession?
I can't recollect that. I might have done so.
Didn't he say for years and years and donkey's years?
1923, The Bridgeport Telegram:With a heavy make-up, you’ll be the cutest vamp I’ve seen in donkey’s years.
References