Why is it Called Donkey Kong if He’s a Gorilla?
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The simple answer is: Donkey Kong’s name is a result of a combination of intended meaning and a bit of linguistic misunderstanding. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the character, wasn’t aiming for zoological accuracy, but rather a sense of character. He chose the word “Donkey” intending it to convey the meaning of “stubborn” or “silly,” qualities he wanted to imbue in the character. The “Kong” part was a more straightforward reference to the character being a large ape, drawing on the Japanese slang for “gorilla.” Therefore, Donkey Kong was meant to suggest a “stubborn ape,” a concept that resonated with Miyamoto’s vision for the game. The fact that the name caused laughter at Nintendo of America only cemented its quirky, memorable appeal. He is a gorilla, not a monkey.
The Genesis of a Gaming Icon’s Name
Delving deeper, the story behind Donkey Kong’s name highlights the challenges of cross-cultural communication and the power of accidental brilliance. Miyamoto wasn’t necessarily concerned with precise English definitions. He approached the naming process with a more intuitive, feeling-based approach. This resulted in a name that is somewhat nonsensical from a purely literal standpoint but perfectly captures the character’s boisterous, slightly chaotic personality.
Beyond Translation: The Impact of “Donkey” and “Kong”
The choice of “Donkey” is particularly interesting. Donkeys are known for their stubbornness, a trait Miyamoto wanted to emphasize. However, the word also carries connotations of being foolish or silly, adding another layer to the character’s persona. The “Kong” part, while seemingly more straightforward, also benefits from its association with King Kong, the iconic giant ape. By combining these two seemingly disparate elements, Miyamoto created a name that is both memorable and evocative.
The Power of a Name: Shaping a Character
Ultimately, the name “Donkey Kong” has played a significant role in shaping the character’s identity. It’s a name that is instantly recognizable, slightly absurd, and perfectly suited to a giant ape who throws barrels and rescues damsels (or, in later iterations, is the hero himself). The success of the Donkey Kong franchise is a testament to the power of a well-chosen (or, perhaps, accidentally well-chosen) name. It’s also worth noting that video games, as a medium, often play fast and loose with realism for the sake of fun and engaging gameplay. The name “Donkey Kong” perfectly encapsulates this spirit. To better understand the history and impact of games on learning and society, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Donkey Kong
Here are some frequently asked questions about Donkey Kong, providing more context and background information about the character and the franchise:
1. Was Donkey Kong supposed to be Monkey Kong?
The theory that the game was originally meant to be called Monkey Kong and the name was lost in translation is a misconception. Miyamoto’s intent was always to use “Donkey” to imply stubbornness and “Kong” to imply a large ape.
2. Why is Diddy Kong a monkey?
Rare designer Kevin Bayliss mentioned that Diddy Kong was initially designed with spider monkey traits. While not explicitly identified as a specific species, he possesses a prehensile tail, a characteristic feature of monkeys.
3. What does it mean to call someone Donkey Kong?
“Donkey Kong” (plural Donkey Kongs) can be used as slang (and usually derogatory) to describe an uncivilized, ill-mannered, or boorish person.
4. Why is Donkey Kong a gorilla and not a monkey?
Donkey Kong is indeed a gorilla, an ape, not a monkey. This is a biological distinction, and the name is more about conveying a feeling than strict zoological accuracy.
5. Why is Mario Italian and not Japanese?
Mario’s character design, with his large nose, has Western influences. Once he became a plumber, Miyamoto decided to “put him in New York” and make him Italian, attributing his nationality to his mustache.
6. What is the slang for a female donkey?
Male donkeys are called jacks, and females are called jennets.
7. Is Diddy Kong a monkey or gorilla?
Diddy Kong has been described as sharing traits of spider monkeys, especially his tail, making him clearly a monkey.
8. What is the word donkey slang for?
“Donkey” is slang for a person regarded as stupid, foolish, or obstinate.
9. Who is Donkey Kong’s wife?
Candy Kong is Donkey Kong’s girlfriend. She provides various services for the Kongs throughout the different games, such as saving progress and running mini-games.
10. Why does Donkey Kong wear a tie?
The necktie on Donkey Kong symbolizes responsibility, self-control, maturity, and sophistication, contrasting with the impulsive nature of a gorilla.
11. What is Mario’s full name?
According to Miyamoto, Mario’s full name is “Mario Mario”.
12. What does Kong mean in Japanese?
The word “Kong” is a Japanese slang word for “gorilla”.
13. What kind of animal is Donkey Kong?
Donkey Kong is a male gorilla. He first appeared in the 1981 arcade game as the antagonist.
14. What is Diddy Kong’s relation to Donkey Kong?
Diddy Kong is Donkey Kong’s nephew and his little buddy, and Dixie Kong’s boyfriend. Cranky Kong is mentioned as being related to him, making Diddy Kong his great-grandson and Donkey Kong Jr.’s grandson.
15. What ethnicity is Wario?
Nintendo originally considered making Wario a German character before he developed into an Italian like Mario. The creation of Wario allowed them their own character to “symbolize their situation”.