WhenPigs Fly Origin: The Devil Is an Ass – Exploring the Roots of Two Iconic Idioms
The phrases “when pigs fly” and “the devil is an ass” are among the most recognizable idioms in the English language. In practice, understanding where these phrases came from not only enriches our grasp of idiomatic expressions but also offers insight into how language reflects societal values and humor. Their origins, however, are steeped in history, culture, and language evolution. While they may seem unrelated at first glance, both expressions carry a shared theme of impossibility, absurdity, or foolishness. This article looks at the origins of “when pigs fly” and “the devil is an ass,” exploring their historical contexts, cultural significance, and enduring relevance in modern communication It's one of those things that adds up..
The Origin of “When Pigs Fly”
The idiom “when pigs fly” is a classic example of a hyperbolic expression used to denote an event that is deemed impossible. Its roots can be traced back to medieval Europe, where pigs were often associated with dirt, filth, and lowly status. In many cultures, pigs were considered unclean animals, and the idea of them flying—something inherently impossible—became a metaphor for something that would never happen.
The exact origin of the phrase is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed to have emerged in the 16th or 17th century. One theory suggests that the expression may have been influenced by the works of William Shakespeare or other Elizabethan playwrights, who frequently used exaggerated imagery to convey absurdity. In practice, for instance, in The Tempest, Shakespeare’s characters often employ hyperbolic language to make clear impossibility or irony. That said, there is no direct evidence linking Shakespeare to the specific phrase “when pigs fly Not complicated — just consistent..
Another possible origin lies in the broader tradition of proverbs and folktales. In many cultures, animals are used symbolically to convey moral or practical lessons. Pigs, in particular, have been associated with greed, laziness, or simplicity in various folktales. The notion of a pig flying would be a direct contradiction of these traits, making the phrase a humorous or sarcastic way to dismiss unrealistic expectations.
Over time, “when pigs fly” evolved into a widely used idiom in English-speaking countries. Because of that, it is often employed in casual conversation to indicate that something is highly unlikely or beyond the realm of possibility. As an example, if someone asks, “Do you think I’ll win the lottery?But ” a response might be, “When pigs fly! ” This usage underscores the phrase’s role as a rhetorical tool to highlight skepticism or humor Simple as that..
The Devil Is an Ass: A Tale of Folly
The phrase “the devil is an ass” is another idiom that conveys the idea of foolishness or lack of intelligence. While it is less commonly used than “when pigs fly,” it carries a similar thematic weight. The expression suggests that the devil, often depicted as a cunning or malevolent figure in religious and cultural narratives, is portrayed as a bumbling or unintelligent being.
The origins of “the
The Devil Is an Ass: From Medieval Mischief to Modern Mockery
The expression “the devil is an ass” emerged in the folklore of early modern Europe, where the figure of the devil was often portrayed not only as a terrifying adversary but also as a mischievous trickster. In medieval mystery plays and later in the satirical pamphlets of the Renaissance, the devil was frequently depicted as a boorish, bumbling creature whose schemes were more comical than catastrophic. This duality gave rise to a proverb that used the animal “ass” (a donkey) to underscore the devil’s lack of wisdom rather than his malevolence.
The earliest recorded appearances of the phrase can be traced to 16th‑century English proverb collections, where it was used to ridicule overconfident or pretentious individuals. By likening the devil to an “ass,” speakers implied that even the most feared supernatural force could be reduced to a simpleton when confronted with human cunning or folly. The phrase resonated with audiences because it inverted the expected hierarchy of fear: instead of a terrifying, omnipotent devil, one could envision a creature reduced to a clueless animal, thereby demystifying evil and exposing its inherent absurdity.
As the idiom migrated into everyday speech, it acquired a broader semantic range. Now, in contemporary usage, “the devil is an ass” functions as a sharp retort to anyone who boasts about their own cleverness or authority, especially when that confidence is unwarranted. It is often invoked in political commentary, workplace banter, or literary criticism to signal that a self‑important figure is, in fact, behaving foolishly. The phrase also enjoys a playful resonance in pop culture, appearing in song lyrics, comic strips, and internet memes that juxtapose the traditional image of a horned adversary with slapstick clumsiness It's one of those things that adds up..
The endurance of this idiom lies in its capacity to compress a complex moral lesson into a single, vivid image. On the flip side, by reducing the archetypal embodiment of evil to a creature associated with stubbornness and ignorance, speakers can instantly convey skepticism toward hubris while preserving a touch of humor. This blend of moral judgment and light‑hearted mockery has ensured that “the devil is an ass” remains a useful shorthand for dismissing pretension across centuries.
People argue about this. Here's where I land on it.
Conclusion
Both “when pigs fly” and “the devil is an ass” illustrate how language can harness the absurd to comment on the limits of human expectation. That said, together, they reveal a timeless linguistic strategy: by attaching the ridiculous to the familiar, speakers can simultaneously critique, entertain, and reinforce cultural values. Still, the former uses the visual impossibility of a flying pig to mock the improbable, while the latter strips the archetypal devil of his menace, exposing folly through a humble animal. In modern communication, these idioms continue to serve as compact, evocative tools for expressing doubt, humor, and a healthy dose of skepticism toward the grandiose.
