jackass — a male donkey
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a male donkey
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdʒækæs/
Example Sentences
- He made a complete jackass of himself at the party by dancing on the table.
- Stop being such a jackass and apologize to her!
- The old jackass refused to move despite the farmer's efforts.
jackass
NOUN[/ˈdʒækæs/]
a male donkey
Male donkey braying in farmyard
The jackass prefers grass over class!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word emerged in the 17th century, combining 'Jack' (a generic term for a male or male animal) with 'ass' (donkey). The compound originally referred to a male donkey, but acquired figurative meanings of stubbornness and foolishness due to the donkey's reputation for obstinacy.
Breakdown
Jack (male/masculine prefix) + ass (donkey). The semantic extension to 'stubborn or foolish person' derives from the donkey's proverbial obstinate temperament.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He made a complete jackass of himself at the party by dancing on the table.”
“Stop being such a jackass and apologize to her!”
“The old jackass refused to move despite the farmer's efforts.”
“My brother can be a real jackass when he's hangry.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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