The Devil Is An Ass When Pigs Fly

The phrase "the devil is an ass when pigs fly" represents one of the most colorful and enduring examples of British theatrical slang, rooted deeply in the traditions of Elizabethan drama and the evolution of English colloquial expression. This peculiar saying combines two separate idioms that have traveled through centuries, carrying with them layers of cultural meaning, literary significance, and linguistic evolution. Understanding this phrase requires delving into the world of 17th-century theater, exploring the transformation of language over time, and recognizing how seemingly absurd expressions can reveal profound truths about human nature and communication.

Historical Origins and Theatrical Background

During the golden age of English theater, playwrights like William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson crafted works that were not merely entertainment but social commentary wrapped in elaborate metaphors and coded language. The phrase "the devil is an ass" originates from the character names used in medieval morality plays, where abstract concepts like virtue, vice, and temptation were personified. In these performances, the devil was often portrayed by an actor wearing an ass's head, creating a visual representation of foolishness and brutish behavior.

This theatrical tradition gave birth to the expression meaning someone is acting stupidly or behaving like a fool. The imagery was so powerful and memorable that it transcended the stage, becoming embedded in everyday speech among theatergoers and performers alike. The connection between the devil and the ass wasn't arbitrary – both represented base instincts, poor judgment, and the antithesis of divine wisdom in Christian moral teaching.

Meanwhile, the concept of pigs flying emerged as a separate idiom representing impossibility. Pigs, being earthbound creatures without the physical capability for flight, became the perfect symbol for things that could never happen. When combined, these two phrases created a compound expression that essentially means "never" – suggesting that the devil behaving sensibly is as likely as pigs taking wing.

Evolution Through Literary Works

The phrase gained particular prominence through Ben Jonson's 1614 play "Bartholomew Fair," where he wrote variations of this expression to emphasize the absurdity of certain situations. Jonson, known for his satirical wit and keen observation of human folly, used such phrases to highlight the ridiculous nature of pretension and false wisdom. His characters employed these colorful expressions to mock those who claimed superior knowledge while demonstrating obvious stupidity.

Shakespeare's influence cannot be overlooked either, as his works helped standardize many English idioms and expressions. While he may not have used this exact phrase, his contribution to making animal-based metaphors common in English discourse paved the way for such expressions to flourish. The Bard's famous line about "killing two birds with one stone" shows how he embraced the natural world as a source of metaphorical language.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the phrase evolved in usage, sometimes appearing in shortened forms or adapted to fit different contexts. Victorian writers occasionally employed it in literature to add color to dialogue or to reference the bawdy humor of earlier theatrical traditions. The phrase maintained its association with impossibility while retaining its roots in theatrical performance.

Modern Interpretation and Cultural Significance

In contemporary usage, "the devil is an ass when pigs fly" functions primarily as a humorous way to express that something will never happen. The phrase carries a certain sophistication due to its literary origins, yet maintains accessibility through its vivid imagery. People who use this expression today might not be aware of its theatrical background, but they intuitively grasp its meaning through the combination of two clearly impossible scenarios.

The phrase also serves as a reminder of how language evolves through cultural transmission. What began as specific theatrical terminology has transformed into general vernacular, demonstrating the fluid nature of communication. Modern speakers might shorten it to "when pigs fly" while still conveying the same sense of impossibility, showing how complex expressions can be distilled while maintaining their core meaning.

From a psychological perspective, the phrase appeals to our love of absurd imagery and logical contradiction. The mental picture of devils wearing donkey heads alongside airborne swine creates such a ridiculous scenario that it effectively communicates the intended message of impossibility. This demonstrates how effective communication often relies on memorable, even bizarre, imagery rather than straightforward statements.

Linguistic Analysis and Structure

The grammatical structure of the phrase follows traditional English patterns while incorporating elements that make it particularly memorable. The use of present tense ("is") creates immediacy, suggesting that if such an impossible event were to occur, the consequence would be instantaneous recognition of foolish behavior. The conditional "when" rather than "if" adds another layer of impossibility, implying that even the conditions for such an occurrence cannot exist.

The alliteration present in "devil" and "ass" makes the phrase more memorable and easier to recall. Sound patterns play crucial roles in how expressions become embedded in collective memory, and this phrase benefits from the natural rhythm created by its component sounds. The harsh consonants in "devil" and "pig" contrast with the softer sounds in "ass" and "fly," creating a musical quality that aids retention.

Furthermore, the phrase demonstrates how compound idioms work in English – combining two separate impossible scenarios to create a stronger statement about impossibility. This technique appears in other expressions like "when hell freezes over" or "over my dead body," showing a pattern in how English speakers construct superlative statements about unlikely events.

Contemporary Usage and Relevance

Today, the phrase finds usage primarily in informal settings, often employed for comedic effect or to add literary flair to conversations about impossibility. Educators sometimes use it as an example of how historical context influences modern language, helping students understand that contemporary expressions often have deeper roots than immediately apparent.

The phrase also serves as a bridge between academic study of literature and everyday language use. Students encountering it in classical texts can connect historical theatrical practices to modern communication patterns, understanding how cultural artifacts influence linguistic development. This connection helps demonstrate that language study isn't merely about grammar and vocabulary but about understanding human culture and social evolution.

In digital communication, where brevity often trumps complexity, longer phrases like this might seem outdated. However, their very length and unusual imagery make them stand out in an age of abbreviated text-speak. People seeking to add color or emphasis to their digital communications might deliberately choose such phrases to create impact and demonstrate linguistic sophistication.

Educational Value and Cultural Preservation

Studying phrases like "the devil is an ass when pigs fly" provides valuable insights into how language preserves cultural memory and historical practices. These expressions serve as linguistic fossils, carrying information about past beliefs, social structures, and entertainment preferences forward through generations.

For educators, such phrases offer opportunities to discuss interdisciplinary connections between literature, history, psychology, and linguistics. They demonstrate how seemingly simple expressions can open doors to complex discussions about cultural transmission, symbolic meaning, and human communication patterns.

Understanding the origins and evolution of such phrases also helps preserve cultural heritage by ensuring that future generations maintain connections to their linguistic ancestry. As global communication continues to homogenize language patterns, preserving awareness of regional and historical expressions becomes increasingly important for maintaining cultural diversity.

The enduring appeal of this phrase lies not just in its humor or impossibility, but in its ability to encapsulate complex ideas about human nature, cultural evolution, and the power of metaphorical thinking. It reminds us that effective communication often depends on creativity, cultural shared knowledge, and the willingness to embrace the absurd as a pathway to understanding.