donkey's years

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does donkey's years mean? In what situations is donkey's years used?

Meaning of "donkey's years"

Meaning

The idiom 'donkey's years' is used to indicate a lengthy period of time that feels like it has gone on forever. This idiom is often used to describe a situation where somebody has been dealing with something for too long and they are finally ready to move on.

Etymology

The phrase 'donkey's years' is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. It is believed that the phrase referred to a donkey’s life span of approximately 25 years, which was thought to be much longer than the human life span at the time. The phrase then began to be used as a metaphor for a long period of time.

Usage

The idiom 'donkey's years' is often used as a lighthearted way to express frustration, as it implies that someone has been dealing with a situation for longer than expected. It can also be used to describe something that seems to take a long time, like 'I've been waiting here for donkey's years!'. It is often used in informal settings, such as when talking to friends and family.

Example Sentences

• I've been stuck in this job for donkey's years and I'm finally ready to move on.
• I've been waiting for the bus for donkey's years, where is it?
• It feels like I've been studying for donkey's years and I'm still not done!

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.