A donkey, or donk, is a player who exercises bad judgement and makes bad calls and bets. Unlike a fish who may simply be an inexperienced player, donkey connotes high aggression, high risk, and nonsensical play. Though both the terms donkey and fish are often used interchangeably as an insult.

Related to being a donkey is fancy play syndrome, something from which numerous poor players suffer.

Donkeys consider themselves loose aggressive players. They will experience large swings in their stack and earn a lot of pots either though a bluff or suckout. The general direction of their bankroll will be down.