Talk the Hind Leg Off a Donkey

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "talk the hind leg off a donkey" means to talk endlessly or persuasively - describing someone especially chatty or smooth-talking.

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synonyms: chatter endlessly, talk someone’s ear off, be a smooth talker

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't hear this one growin' up, but I really like 'talk the hind leg off a donkey.'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I didn't hear this one growin' up, but I really like 'talk the hind leg off a donkey.'

Pronunciation

[tawk thuh hahynd leg awf uh dawn-kee]

Meaning & Usage

- Talk Endlessly or Persuasively (verb phrase)

Hazel:

Did you enjoy the quilting bee?

Mabel:

I couldn’t get a word in - she’d talk the hind leg off a donkey.

variations: talk the hind legs off a donkey, talk the ears off a brass monkey

★ If someone’s said to "talk the hind leg off a donkey," expect a long conversation - or a very convincing sales pitch. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase dates back to at least the late 18th century in British English slang. It crossed the Atlantic and settled into American rural speech, especially in the South and Appalachia. Variants like "talk the horns off a goat" grew out of this original saying.

Usage Notes

Still heard today in rural and Southern communities, though elsewhere it may be replaced by "talk your ear off." The donkey imagery adds a humorous, rustic tone.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does anyone still say "talk the hind leg off a donkey"?

Yes. It’s not as common in mainstream speech but still alive in Southern/Appalachian conversation.

What does it imply about the speaker?

That they’re either extremely talkative or very persuasive - or both.

Where does it come from?

British slang originally, then adopted and adapted in American rural speech, especially in the South.

Is it always negative?

Not necessarily - it can be affectionate teasing or an admiring remark about someone’s gift of gab.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 17). Talk the Hind Leg Off a Donkey. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/talk-the-hind-leg-off-a-donkey
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Talk the Hind Leg Off a Donkey." HillbillySlang.com, 17 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/talk-the-hind-leg-off-a-donkey.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Talk the Hind Leg Off a Donkey." HillbillySlang.com. September 17, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/talk-the-hind-leg-off-a-donkey.