donkey-lick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Colloquial, Humorous (primarily Australian and New Zealand English)
Quick answer
What does “donkey-lick” mean?
To defeat an opponent soundly or by a large margin, especially in a sporting context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To defeat an opponent soundly or by a large margin, especially in a sporting context.
To thrash or trounce comprehensively; to achieve an overwhelming victory over someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually non-existent in mainstream American English. In British English, it is recognized but very rare and considered a curious antipodean import. Its primary home is in Australian and New Zealand English.
Connotations
In its core regions (AU/NZ), it connotes a decisive, often amusing victory. Elsewhere, it may simply confuse listeners or be interpreted as nonsensical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency globally. Its use outside of Australia and New Zealand would be marked as highly idiosyncratic or an attempt to employ colourful regional slang.
Grammar
How to Use “donkey-lick” in a Sentence
[Subject: Team/Player] donkey-licked [Object: Opponent] [Optional: in/at competition]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “donkey-lick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The touring side were utterly donkey-licked in the first test match.
- I reckon our darts team will donkey-lick theirs.
American English
- (Not used. A US speaker might say:) We got absolutely creamed in the final.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Only in very informal conversation, primarily in Australia/NZ, about sports or games.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “donkey-lick”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it outside of a competitive scenario (e.g., 'I donkey-licked my exam').
- Incorrectly assuming it is common in the UK or US.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and regionally restricted, primarily to Australia and New Zealand.
Absolutely not. It is highly informal, colloquial, and humorous slang.
No, the etymology is unclear but it is a purely figurative, whimsical expression for a thorough defeat.
A 'donkey-licking' (e.g., 'They suffered a severe donkey-licking').
To defeat an opponent soundly or by a large margin, especially in a sporting context.
Donkey-lick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒŋ.ki ˌlɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːŋ.ki ˌlɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to give someone a donkey-licking”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a victorious football team celebrating by having a friendly DONKEY LICK the faces of the defeated, miserable opponents. The donkey represents the easy, almost silly dominance of the win.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS PHYSICAL DOMINANCE (of a whimsical, animalistic kind).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'donkey-lick' most likely to be used and understood?