Mokes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small, sturdy donkey or mule used for carrying loads ; a light, open-bodied car or utility vehicle with simple seating
2. Small hardy donkeys used as beasts of burden ; boxy, open-sided little vehicles built for basic transport on rough ground
3. Diminutive pack animals resembling donkeys ; compact, roofless utility cars known for their simple, practical design

Etymology: "Mokes" is the plural of "moke," and the source for that noun's sense as a variety performer is a specific 1860s stage act. The routine was called "The Lively Moke" (or "Musical Moke"), a blackface song, dance and multi-instrumental performance popularized by Johnny Thompson, William J. "Billy" Ashcroft and others. Performers in that tradition came to be called mokes after the act. The word's earlier origin is unknown, so the story begins with that routine rather than with a older root. Its success gave a stage title a life as a common noun, and the plural form here refers to multiple such performers.

Synonyms: donkey, ass, burro