|
DONKEY’S YEARS [Q] From Jess Paxton in the USA: Is there a story behind the phrase donkey’s years? [A] It’s a pun on donkey’s ears, they being long. The phrase, meaning a long time, is chiefly in British use, though known in the USA and elsewhere, and was first recorded in 1916 as donkey’s ears (which is why we’re sure about the punning origin). Within ten years or so it is recorded in the modern form. The idea was supported by the belief that donkeys did in fact live a very long time. |
Page created 15 Apr. 2000
E-Magazine
Try the weekly World Wide Words e-magazine — it features words in the news, weird words, new(ish) words, old words, words people ask questions about, and even the occasional grovelling correction.
  Notes and comments
Michael Quinion's new book is now out!
World Wide Words is supported by its readers: take a look here to see how you can help.
Can't tell your sinistro- from your dextro-? Help is at hand! Consult my dictionary of word beginnings and endings.
Try a page at random
|