Eeyore

Eeyore is a gloomy, pessimistic donkey in A.A.

Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories, known for his perpetual melancholy and low expectations.

The name has become a common reference for someone habitually negative or morose: Don't be such an Eeyore—things aren't that bad.

Unlike terms suggesting theatrical self-pity, Eeyore implies gentle, resigned sadness rather than dramatic complaint.

character

Winnie-the-Pooh

Beloved fictional bear

donkeyLong-eared equine
tailRear animal appendage
gloomyDark and dispiriting

Tigger · stuffed-animal · Disney · grey · bow · pin · thistles · birthday · balloon · friend

personality

pessimism

Expecting unfavorable outcomes

melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
sadnessState of emotional pain

moping · dejection · resignation · self-deprecation · cynicism · sulking · despondency · negativity · woe · sighing

archetype

depressive

Causing or feeling dejection

killjoyOne who dampens merriment
wet-blanketSomeone who discourages enthusiasm
moperHabitually gloomy person

complainer · defeatist · downer · buzzkill · naysayer · sourpuss · grump · curmudgeon · worrier · malcontent

Categories

Picture Book CharactersCurious George, Clifford, Cat in the Hat, Madeline, Max
Winnie-the-PoohWinnie-the-Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne
Fictional DonkeysBenjamin, Francis, Nestor
Fictional CharactersAlice, Oliver Twist, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Bilbo Baggins
literary animalsAnimal Farm, white whale, Charlotte's Web, Moby Dick, Watership Down
Winnie the Pooh NurseryTigger, Christopher Robin, honey pots, honey jars, red shirts

Opposites

temperament/outlook

EeyoreTigger

Striped, springy cat

Pollyanna · optimist · Little Miss Sunshine · Ted Lasso · eternal optimist

energy level

EeyoreTigger

Striped, springy cat

Taz · bouncy · Speedy Gonzales · hyperactive · Road Runner

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G