moke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / archaic / regional slangInformal, slang, archaic, chiefly regional (UK, Australian, and some US usage).
Quick answer
What does “moke” mean?
A donkey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A donkey.
Informally, a foolish or inept person. Also, a small, inferior horse or a worn-out horse; in Australian slang, a poor-quality or obstinate horse. In historical British slang, a hired horse, often of poor quality, or a carrier's vehicle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'moke' is a known, though archaic/regional, term for a donkey or a poor-quality horse. In American English, the word is extremely rare and likely unknown outside of literary contexts or specialized slang dictionaries.
Connotations
UK: rustic, humorous, sometimes derogatory (when referring to a person). US: esoteric, likely archaic or literary if encountered.
Frequency
Virtually absent in contemporary US English. In the UK, it may survive in specific regional dialects or as a historical term.
Grammar
How to Use “moke” in a Sentence
[det] mokea moke of [possessive]called him a mokeVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or dialectological studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be understood as a quaint or humorous term for a donkey in some UK regions.
Technical
Not used in any standard technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moke”
- Spelling as 'moak' or 'molk'.
- Assuming it is a common contemporary word.
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, archaic, or regionally restricted slang term. The standard word is 'donkey'.
Historically and informally, yes, it could imply someone is foolish or obstinate. However, its rarity makes it a very weak insult today.
Not biologically. 'Moke' is simply a colloquial or slang name for a donkey, often implying it is a poor specimen or used for labor.
It might be encountered in parts of the UK (e.g., Cornwall, East Anglia) and Australia as a lingering dialect term, but its use is declining.
A donkey.
Moke is usually informal, slang, archaic, chiefly regional (uk, australian, and some us usage). in register.
Moke: in British English it is pronounced /məʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not a word of my moke (archaic, meaning 'not a word from me')”
- “as stubborn as a moke”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'smoke' but without the 'S' – a moke is a donkey that might have been working near a smoky fire. Or: A **moke** makes a funny **joke** because it's a donkey.
Conceptual Metaphor
STUBBORNNESS/INFERIORITY IS ANIMAL-LIKE (The moke/donkey as a source domain for obstinacy or low quality).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'moke' be LEAST appropriate?