talking donkey
Verbal equine impossibility
A talking donkey is a donkey that speaks human language, appearing in folklore, religious texts, and popular culture.
The biblical story of Balaam features a donkey that speaks to rebuke its master.
In contemporary use, the phrase often references the character Donkey from the *Shrek* films—someone won't stop talking like a talking donkey.
Figuratively, it can describe any improbable or miraculous occurrence: Finding parking downtown was like encountering a talking donkey.
- ShrekAnimated green ogre
- Old TestamentPre-Christian biblical canon
- brayingMaking harsh donkey sounds
- biblicalOf sacred texts
- fableMoral tale with animals
mule · pack animal · beast of burden · stubborn · speaking · wise fool · miracle · fairytale · hooves · ears · prophet · Eddie Murphy · voice actor · comic relief · comedic · absurd · beast · burden