donkey's years
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
1923, from donkey's ears, which is rhyming slang for years.[1] That is, donkey's ears is rhyming slang, replacing years with ears, while donkey's years reverts back to years, with donkey acting as emphasis. “Donkey’s ears” implies “a long time” because donkey’s ears are long, while “donkey’s years” is supported by the belief that donkeys live a long time.[1]
Noun [edit]
donkey’s years (this plural form only)
- (idiomatic) A long time, years and years.
- 1923, The Bridgeport Telegram:[1]
- With a heavy make-up, you’ll be the cutest vamp I’ve seen in donkey’s years.
- 1923, The Bridgeport Telegram:[1]
References [edit]
- “Donkey’s Years”, World Wide Words, Michael Quinion, 15 Apr. 2000.
