Donk (automobile)

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The cover of a "Donk" magazine

Donk is a slang term referring to a type of highly customized automobile, typically an inexpensive American-built sedan from the 1970s,1980s or 1990s.

1 Music style and slang
2 See also
3 References
4 External links

Donks originally grew out of the Dirty South hip hop subculture but the trend has spread across the United States. Vehicles customized in the donk style are distinguished by their outsized (even disproportionate) rims, ranging from 20" to 30" or more in diameter, as well as fanciful custom paint-jobs and expensive audio hardware. Suspension modifications similar to those employed on lifted pickup trucks are made to give adequate clearance for the large rims. Often the suspension is modified so the front end sits slightly higher than the rear end, giving the car a swaggering appearance. Because of the almost comically exaggerated look gained from installing a lifted suspension and enormous rims, donks are also known as "hi-risers" or "sky-scrapers."

Popular vehicles for these types of modifications are full-size Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler models. Two of the most popular models to modify are the Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Many enthusiasts agree that the term "donk" was originally shortened from "donkey," because the Chevrolet Impala logo resembled one. The donk label has been applied to other cars, but the only true donk is an Impala. There are several sub-types of donks, although the distinctions are blurred and open to debate. However, most hi-riser enthusiasts agree that a traditional donk is a 1970s-era car with a sloping rear end. A "box" is a sub-type of a donk, usually a 1980s-era car with a boxy or squared-off front and rear end. A "bubble" is another sub-type and is usually a car with smooth, streamlined lines from the 1990s or 2000s.

[edit] Music style and slang

Donks are an integral part of the East Coast and South Florida music scene. The expression "Donk rider" originated with the Miami rapper Trick Daddy. Trick grew up in the Miami neighborhood of Liberty City. Donk riders and Rappers from this area also have a unique style of slang and clothing. In South Florida; if one rides old classic cars with 24's,^[1] you would be called a "Donk rider". ^[2] And you can say "I box a Donk Donk" which means you bought this style of car. One of the Donk Rider styles in the South Florida area includes dreadheads with gold teeth or a gold grill; over the years, this particular style has spread throughout Florida.