Kong: Difference between revisions

'''Kongs''' (also known as '''Apes''' in production literature for the [[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' television series]])<ref>''Computer Animation: A Whole New World'' (1998, Rockport Publishers). "''Medialab'' Donkey Kong Country". P. 87</ref> are sapient primates that make up much of the cast of the ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' franchise, with the [[Donkey Kong|eponymous character]] himself being one. They are capable of actions such as speech and building houses and typically wear clothing, though the amount varies drastically with the individual, with Donkey Kong himself wearing only a tie, while many others wear full outfits. They seem to be native to [[Donkey Kong Island]], and they share an animosity with much of the crocodilian [[Kremling]] race. While most of them share the surname "Kong", they do appear to be directly related to one another. Kongs can resemble any number of real-life primates, with Donkey Kong, [[Funky Kong]], and several others resembling gorillas; [[Diddy Kong]] resembling a monkey; [[Dixie Kong]] and [[Tiny Kong]] resembling chimpanzees; and [[Lanky Kong]] resembling an orangutan.

Generic names of various real-life types of primates, such as "monkeys", "chimps", "gorillas", and "apes", are used fairly interchangeably to describe Kongs, with the ''Donkey Kong Country'' cartoon and ''[[Saturday Supercade]]'' never referring to Kongs as such outside their individual names. However, the term "baboon" seems to be reserved as an insult, potentially due to it sounding similar to the word "buffoon", and is even used against other species, such as [[Cranky Kong]] using it against [[Krusha (character)|Krusha]] in "[[From Zero to Hero]]". Despite this, Kongs are their own species separate from apes.<ref>KRoolKountry (January 15, 2024). [https://twitter.com/KRoolKountry/status/1747120247826702486 Post about a ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' Nintendo Switch news statement clarifying that Donkey Kong is a Kong and not an ape]. "''*Just a reminder that Donkey Kong is not an ape—he is a Kong. However, “going ape” is a phrase that can be used for Kongs as well!''" ''X''. Retrieved February 15, 2024.</ref>

The '''Kong Family'''<ref>''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1995, p. 21</ref> (alternately lowercase,<ref>"'''Cranky Kong:''' ''Have you been to see the other members of the Kong family? They're not as useful as me of course, but they might be able to help.''" – ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''</ref> and also known as the '''Donkey Kong Family'''<ref>[https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Players_Guide_SNES_Donkey_Kong_Country_1994/page/n5/ ''Donkey Kong Country'' Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1994, p. 5]</ref> or '''Kong Klan''')<ref>[https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Players_Guide_SNES_Donkey_Kong_Country_3_Dixie_Kongs_Double_Trouble_199/page/n7 ''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble'' Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1996, p. 8]</ref> and the '''DK Crew'''<ref>'''DK Rap singer''': "''He's the first member of the DK crew!''" – ''Donkey Kong 64''</ref><ref>"'''Narrator:''' ''The DK Crew came to his tropical paradise for a little R&R.''" – ''DK: Jungle Climber''</ref> are the main group of Kongs, being [[Donkey Kong]]'s family and close friends. The patriarch of the family is Cranky Kong, the original Donkey Kong. In the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise of video games, members of the Kong Family are either playable characters or supporting characters that aid the main heroes on their journey, although they also receive help from allies outside the family, including the [[Animal Friends]] and the [[Kremling]] [[K. Lumsy]].