“When pigs fly” is a popular idiom used in English to express that something is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. This whimsical phrase paints a funny picture in the mind, making it a memorable way to convey skepticism or disbelief. Let’s delve deeper into the meaning, origins, and usage of this colorful expression.
What Does “When Pigs Fly” Mean?
At its core, “when pigs fly” signifies impossibility. It’s a sarcastic way of saying that an event will never occur because it contradicts the natural order or is against all odds. The idiom is often used humorously to respond to unrealistic expectations or overly optimistic predictions. Think of it as a polite but firm way to say “no way!” or “never going to happen.”
The phrase emphasizes the sheer improbability of a situation. It’s not just unlikely; it’s presented as something as physically impossible as pigs sprouting wings and soaring through the sky. This vivid imagery makes the idiom both funny and effective in communication.
Variations of the Idiom
You might encounter a few variations of “when pigs fly,” all carrying essentially the same meaning:
- Pigs may fly: This is a slightly softer version, but still expresses strong doubt.
- Pigs might fly: Similar to “pigs may fly,” suggesting a very remote possibility, practically nil.
- Flying pig: Often used as a humorous or ironic reference to the idiom itself.
Examples of “When Pigs Fly” in Sentences
Understanding an idiom is best done through examples. Here are some sentences showcasing how to use “when pigs fly” in everyday conversation:
- “She’ll clean her room when pigs fly; it’s always a mess.”
- “My dad will admit he’s wrong when pigs fly.”
- “Will they ever release a new update for this old software? When pigs fly!”
- “He said he’d start exercising daily, but that’ll happen when pigs fly.”
- “Do you think our team will win the championship this year? Pigs may fly!”
- “They promised to finish the project on time, but pigs might fly before that deadline.”
- “He’s going to apologize for forgetting my birthday when pigs fly.”
- “Will they ever make peace? Pigs may fly!”
- “She’ll learn to enjoy spicy food when pigs fly; she can’t even handle mild salsa.”
These examples illustrate the versatility of the idiom in expressing disbelief across various scenarios, from personal habits to world events.
The Origin and History of “When Pigs Fly”
The idiom “when pigs fly” has a fascinating history that stretches back centuries, rooted in folklore and early expressions of impossibility. Its enduring appeal lies in its humorous imagery and universally understood concept of something utterly improbable.
Early Literary Mentions
One of the earliest literary hints at the idiom’s concept can be found in François Rabelais’s 16th-century satirical novel, Gargantua and Pantagruel. In the Fourth Book (published in 1552), Rabelais describes a bizarre scene during a battle:
“From the north, a big, fat, gray pig came flying up, with wings as long and wide as those of a windmill… Its eyes were as red and flaming as those of a carbuncle.”
While not the exact phrase, this vivid image of a flying pig in 16th-century literature certainly foreshadows the idiom’s later popularity.
In the 17th century, the idea further solidified. John Withals, an English lexicographer, included the expression “pigs fly in the ayre with their tayles forward” in his 1616 Latin-English dictionary. This entry suggests that the notion of pigs flying as an impossibility was already recognized in common parlance. Around the same time, a Scottish proverb from 1639 stated “and Pigs May Fly Away with the Tod” (tod being a fox), again emphasizing the unlikelihood of pigs taking to the skies.
19th Century Popularization
The 19th century saw “when pigs fly” gain more mainstream recognition. Lewis Carroll, in his iconic 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, contributed to the idiom’s spread through whimsical use. The Duchess in the book famously declares, “Just about as much right as pigs have to fly,” during one of the nonsensical dialogues.
Furthermore, variations like “pigs might fly” began appearing in print. Bell’s Life in London in 1834 and The Liverpool Mercury in 1849 both used “pigs might fly,” indicating the idiom’s growing presence in everyday English.
Cultural Roots
The effectiveness of “when pigs fly” as an idiom may also stem from cultural perceptions of pigs. Historically, pigs are seen as grounded, earthly creatures, often associated with mud and soil. This image contrasts sharply with the idea of flight, making the concept of a flying pig inherently absurd and humorous. In mythology, while pigs can symbolize different things across cultures (wealth, fertility, strength), their physical form is decidedly earthbound. This grounded nature of pigs likely contributes to the idiom’s strong connotation of impossibility.
Global Equivalents
Interestingly, many languages have their own versions of “when pigs fly,” highlighting the universal understanding of this concept of impossibility. For example:
- French: quand les poules auront des dents (when hens have teeth)
- Spanish: cuando las ranas críen pelo (when frogs grow hair)
These cross-linguistic idioms, while using different imagery, all serve the same purpose: to express that something is as likely as a biological impossibility.
Modern Usage
Today, “when pigs fly” remains a vibrant and widely understood idiom in the English language. Its humorous and slightly sarcastic tone makes it perfect for informal conversations and lighthearted banter. The idiom’s enduring popularity is also reflected in popular culture, inspiring creative works and even serving as a symbol of achieving the impossible, ironically or otherwise. For instance, “Pigasus,” the winged pig, was adopted by author John Steinbeck as a personal emblem representing the aspiration to reach beyond perceived limitations.
Synonyms for “When Pigs Fly”
To further enrich your vocabulary, here are some synonyms and similar idioms that convey the same sense of impossibility as “when pigs fly”:
- When hell freezes over: This idiom uses another impossible event to denote something that will never happen.
- Not in a million years: Emphasizes the extremely long and improbable timeframe.
- That will be the day: A sarcastic expression indicating disbelief that a certain day will ever come.
- Over my dead body: Expresses strong opposition and improbability, often in the context of preventing something.
- Fat chance: A dismissive phrase meaning there is very little to no chance of something happening.
By understanding “when pigs fly” and its synonyms, you can effectively and humorously express skepticism and disbelief in your daily communication. This idiom, with its rich history and vivid imagery, continues to be a valuable and entertaining part of the English language.
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. With extensive experience teaching English as a Second Language at both K-12 and university levels, Elena is dedicated to improving educational practices. Her contributions to numerous educational journals highlight her expertise in language and pedagogy.
