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(Current Story: Kongs aren't apes anymore, apparently. (+Old[?] Story: Kong Family was supposed to be a family.))
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{{quote2|I'm the king of the Kong, the simian Don Juan.|[[Diddy Kong]]|</span>"[[Kong for a Day]]"<span>}}
{{quote2|I'm the king of the Kong, the simian Don Juan.|[[Diddy Kong]]|</span>"[[Kong for a Day]]"<span>}}
'''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.
'''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. Kongs 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>
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 word "Kong" is a Japanese slang word for "gorilla."<ref>De Maria, Rusel, and Wilson, Johnny L. (2004). ''High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games''. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Osborne.</ref>


The word "Kong" is a Japanese slang word for "gorilla".<ref>De Maria, Rusel, and Wilson, Johnny L. (2004). ''High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games''. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Osborne.</ref>
==Kong Family==
==Kong Family==
[[File:DK family Emblem.png|thumb|left|80px|Donkey Kong's [[emblem]]]]
[[File:DK family Emblem.png|thumb|left|80px|Donkey Kong's [[emblem]]]]
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]].
The '''Kong Family'''<ref>''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1995, p. 21</ref> (alternatively '''Kong family'''),<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> 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]].


The family often uses the initials "DK" as a symbol, which most often represents Donkey Kong. It is seen on Donkey Kong's tie, [[DK Barrel]]s, [[DK Coin]]s, the [[Level Flag]]s, [[DK Space]]s, and various other objects around Donkey Kong Island. The symbol is also used in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], although in this context, it is used as the logo for the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise in general instead of just the Kong Family members (since [[King K. Rool]] and [[Klaptrap]]s also use it).
The family often uses the initials "DK" as a symbol, which most often represents Donkey Kong. It is seen on Donkey Kong's tie, [[DK Barrel]]s, [[DK Coin]]s, the [[Level Flag]]s, [[DK Space]]s, and various other objects around Donkey Kong Island. The symbol is also used in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], although in this context, it is used as the logo for the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise in general instead of just the Kong Family members (since [[King K. Rool]] and [[Klaptrap]]s also use it).
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According to [[Gregg Mayles]], the Kong Family was intended to be an entire family by blood, but the extended connections are left deliberately vague due to details such as [[Diddy Kong]] having a tail and [[Candy Kong]] looking humanoid, as more priority was put in diversifying the designs rather than fitting it into a cohesive family tree.<ref>GameXplain (November 16, 2019). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX3g9Z3JF9k&t=1626s Talking with Rare's Creative Director for DKC's 25th Anniversary! (Cut Content, Wario Plot, & More)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 31, 2023.</ref>
According to [[Gregg Mayles]], the Kong Family was intended to be an entire family by blood, but the extended connections are left deliberately vague due to details such as [[Diddy Kong]] having a tail and [[Candy Kong]] looking humanoid, as more priority was put in diversifying the designs rather than fitting it into a cohesive family tree.<ref>GameXplain (November 16, 2019). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX3g9Z3JF9k&t=1626s Talking with Rare's Creative Director for DKC's 25th Anniversary! (Cut Content, Wario Plot, & More)]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved March 31, 2023.</ref>
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===Names in other languages===
===Names in other languages===
{{foreign names
{{foreign names

Revision as of 14:18, April 18, 2024

It has been requested that this article be rewritten. Reason: Include better coverage of The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Kong
Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong
The main Kongs of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: clockwise from top, Donkey Kong, Dixie Kong, Cranky Kong, and Diddy Kong
First appearance Donkey Kong (1981)
Latest appearance Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch) (2024)
Variants
Relatives
Notable members
“I'm the king of the Kong, the simian Don Juan.”
Diddy Kong, "Kong for a Day"

Kongs (also known as Apes in production literature for the Donkey Kong Country television series)[1] are sapient primates that make up much of the cast of the Donkey Kong franchise, with the 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. Kongs 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 in "From Zero to Hero." Despite this, Kongs are their own species separate from apes.[2]

The word "Kong" is a Japanese slang word for "gorilla."[3]

Kong Family

DK emblem
Donkey Kong's emblem

The Kong Family[4] (alternatively Kong family),[5] also known as the Donkey Kong Family[6] or Kong Klan,[7] and the DK Crew[8][9] 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.

The family often uses the initials "DK" as a symbol, which most often represents Donkey Kong. It is seen on Donkey Kong's tie, DK Barrels, DK Coins, the Level Flags, DK Spaces, and various other objects around Donkey Kong Island. The symbol is also used in the Super Smash Bros. series, although in this context, it is used as the logo for the Donkey Kong franchise in general instead of just the Kong Family members (since King K. Rool and Klaptraps also use it).

According to Gregg Mayles, the Kong Family was intended to be an entire family by blood, but the extended connections are left deliberately vague due to details such as Diddy Kong having a tail and Candy Kong looking humanoid, as more priority was put in diversifying the designs rather than fitting it into a cohesive family tree.[10]

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Japanese コングファミリー
Kongu Famirī
Kong Family

Chinese (simplified) 刚家族
Gāng Jiāzú
Kong Family

Chinese (traditional) 剛家族
Gāng Jiāzú
Kong Family

French Famille Kong
Kong Family
German Kong-Familie
Kong Family
Italian Famiglia Kong
Kong Family
Spanish Familia Kong
Kong Family

List of Kongs

Donkey Kong's family

In addition, Donkey Kong Jr. has a relative referred to as Uncle Julius, albeit he has not been shown to be a part of the Kong clan.

Dixie Kong's family

  • Dixie Kong — Diddy Kong's girlfriend, Tiny Kong's older sister, Kiddy and Chunky Kong's cousin.
  • Tiny Kong — Dixie Kong's younger sister, Kiddy and Chunky Kong's cousin.
  • Chunky Kong — Kiddy Kong's older brother, Dixie and Tiny Kong's cousin.
  • Kiddy Kong — Chunky Kong's younger brother, Dixie and Tiny Kong's cousin.

Close friends

  • Candy Kong — Donkey Kong's rumored girlfriend.
  • Diddy Kong — Donkey Kong's sidekick and Dixie Kong's boyfriend.
  • Funky Kong — Donkey Kong's friend.

Other members

Evil Kongs

Robotic Kongs

Kong species

Unused Kongs

Gallery

Kong Family

Group

Emblem

Other Kongs

Miscellaneous

Trivia

References

  1. ^ Computer Animation: A Whole New World (1998, Rockport Publishers). "Medialab Donkey Kong Country". P. 87
  2. ^ KRoolKountry (January 15, 2024). 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.
  3. ^ De Maria, Rusel, and Wilson, Johnny L. (2004). High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Osborne.
  4. ^ Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1995, p. 21
  5. ^ "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
  6. ^ Donkey Kong Country Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1994, p. 5
  7. ^ Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1996, p. 8
  8. ^ DK Rap singer: "He's the first member of the DK crew!" – Donkey Kong 64
  9. ^ "Narrator: The DK Crew came to his tropical paradise for a little R&R." – DK: Jungle Climber
  10. ^ GameXplain (November 16, 2019). Talking with Rare's Creative Director for DKC's 25th Anniversary! (Cut Content, Wario Plot, & More). YouTube. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
  11. ^ Bazaar's words: "Yes, but it's no ordinary one though! It was Cranky's great grandfather's! I can't let it go for less than 50 coins." - Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
  12. ^ In Cranky's words: "A newcomer to the Kong clan and the joker of the pack. I haven't a clue whom he's related to—must be some distant cousin or something." - Donkey Kong 64 instruction booklet, page 8.
  13. ^ Chunky's bio from German Donkey Kong 64 website: "The well-mannered giant gorilla is, in the truest sense of the word, a great guy, and sticks to Lanky, his uncle once-removed."
  14. ^ Donkey Kong Country instruction booklet, page 29.