Have you ever been warned not to call a donkey a Jackass? Well, you are rightly warned so. Donkeys can be Jackasses but not all donkeys can be referred to as Jackasses.
Jack, Jackass, ass, and Burros are the few terms we use for male donkeys. Usually, most male donkeys are referred to as Jacks whereas, only a few of these domestic animals are referred to as Jackass. And there is a legitimate reason for that.
To be able to understand why only a few donkeys are called jackasses you need to know the domestic animal’s history first.
Donkey is a member of the Equidae family that includes horses, donkeys, and zebras. All these members of the Equidae family are stockier and have got long floppy ears.
This member of the Equidae family is a descendant of the African Wild Ass, in simpler words an African wild donkey.
The African Wild Ass can be best described as a small, sturdy animal that can be recognized by a short dark erect mane, whitish muzzles, and short smooth color.
This domestic version of African Wild Ass looks a lot like horses, it’s just that donkeys are a bit smaller and have got a little longer ears.
As the relevant information is served, let’s get back to today’s topic: why are donkeys called jackasses?
Frankly, there are no hard and fast rules. The livestock farmers have different views on this topic why donkeys are called jackasses.
Understand Term Jackass
As per the few livestock farmers, not all donkeys are jackasses and not all donkeys can be referred to as jackasses. Only the stubborn donkeys are called Jackasses sometimes. The donkeys that are easier to handle can not be referred to as Jackasses. It’s just a term we use to refer to stubborn donkeys.
Whereas as per a group of other livestock farmers, Jackass is a term we use to call a male donkey. The group of livestock farmers that call male donkeys jackasses supports this action with a valid reason.
According to them, “Jack” is a term we use for male donkeys and “jenny” for female donkeys. Since donkeys are the descendants of African Wild Asses the few livestock keepers prefer calling them “Jackasses”.
Well, if male donkeys are called Jackasses because they are the descendants of Wild Asses, why do female donkeys not have similar names? The female donkey deserves an “ass” addition to its name as well. So, all livestock keepers either have to start calling only the stubborn donkeys “Jackasses” or think of adding “asses” to the female donkey’s name as well.
Difference Between Donkey and Jackass
As the mystery behind this unusual behavior is revealed, here is what else need to be communicated;
Besides Jackasses, the domestic donkeys are also referred to as “asses”
It’s not appropriate to call a domestic donkey “ass” as it is a term we use for African Wild donkeys. However still, the livestock keepers do not mind calling the stubborn donkeys asses as they are descendants of wild asses.
There is no harm in calling a stubborn donkey an “ass”. So as long it is not being documented, a stubborn donkey can be called an ass.
The Spanish and Mexican avoid calling donkeys Jackasses or simply asses
The Spanish and Mexicans prefer calling male donkeys Burros instead. The term Burros in Spanish means donkey. However, the Spanish and Mexicans prefer using this term for small donkeys with long hair.
In simpler words, Burros, Asses, or Jackasses are the few ways to call a donkey
Jack and Jenny are two officially assigned terms. Males donkeys are Jacks whereas, the females are Jennies. Burros, Asses, and Jackasses are just a few ways livestock keepers use to refer to the male donkeys.
So, can you call a donkey a jackass?
Yes, there is no harm in calling a donkey a jackass. However, it is recommended to call this domestic animal “Jack” instead. In the books and official documents, the male donkey is referred to as “Jack”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Jack, Jackass, ass, and Burros?
Jack, Jackass, ass, and Burros are the few ways to call a male donkey. So, there is no point in comparing these terms. Burros is a Spanish term that is used for a small donkey with long hair. Whereas, the Jack, ass, or Jackass is the term we use for adult male donkeys.
Can a mule be called a jackass?
No mule is neither donkey nor a horse. It is an animal that is produced by crossbreeding male donkeys and female horses. Jackass is a term we use for donkeys, so the mule, as it is neither a donkey nor a horse, can not be referred to as a Jackass.
Who is called a Jackass?
Jackass is a term we use for male donkeys or stupid person. If we use it for a donkey it won’t be insulting however if we use it for a person it’s an insult.
What is the difference between Jackass, a mule, and a donkey?
Jackass and donkey are the same things. Jackass is a term used for male donkeys. Whereas, the mule is an animal that is produced by crossbreeding male donkeys and female horses.
Can you call a female donkey a Jackass?
The female donkeys can only be referred to as Jennies. Jack or Jackass is a term for male donkeys. So, No you can not call a female donkey a Jackass.
Summary
Donkeys are the descendants of African Wild asses that got domesticated around 3000 BC. Donkeys are demanded and adored for several reasons.
There are a few terms we use to refer to male and female donkeys. The male donkeys are officially referred to as Jacks whereas female donkeys are as Jennies. Besides Jack, there are some other terms we have started assigning to male donkeys.
Jackass is the most widely used one. The male donkeys are referred to as Jackass either because they are stubborn or because they are the descendants of African Wild Asses. There is no harm in calling a donkey an ass or jackass however, the term Jack is recommended.
