The term “flying pigs” has been around for centuries, with its origins tracing back to ancient Greek and Roman mythology. In these stories, pigs were believed to be able to fly, and the phrase “flying pigs” has been used ever since to refer to something that is highly unlikely or impossible. Today, the phrase is used as a humorous way to describe something that is especially unlikely or unlikely to happen.
The Origin of the Expression “Flying Pigs”
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The expression “flying pigs” is a humorous way to describe something that is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. It is thought to have originated in the 17th century, when it was used as a way to describe a situation that was so unlikely it could only happen if pigs really could fly.
The Origin of the Expression in Literature
The expression can be traced back to the 1627 play The New Inn by John Fletcher. In this play, the expression is used to indicate something that was impossible to achieve. The character Sir Sampson Legend says, “Ay, when Pigs fly,” when referring to his attempts to win the affections of a woman.
The expression was later used in the 1743 book The Life and Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves by Tobias Smollett. In this book, the character Captain Clutterbuck says, “It’s all one, as if a man should hope to fly like a bird, or to see the pigs fly.”
The Expression in Popular Culture
The expression has been used in many other forms of popular culture, including literature, music, film, television, and comics. The expression was used in the 1977 novel Watership Down by Richard Adams. In the novel, the character Hazel says, “I think it’s time the pigs flew.”
The expression was also used in the 1985 song “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits. The lyric “you play the guitar on the MTV, that ain’t workin’, that’s the way you do it, money for nothin’ and chicks for free” is often misinterpreted as “chicks for flying pigs,” which has contributed to the spread of the expression in popular culture.
The expression has also been used in the pig flying mean?”>popular television show The Simpsons. In the episode “Lisa the Vegetarian,” Lisa says, “When pigs fly,” when she is told by her father that she will enjoy eating a hamburger.
Meaning of the Expression
The expression is often used to express disbelief or to indicate that something is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. It is a humorous way to express skepticism and can be used in a variety of situations.
For example, if someone is telling a tall tale and you don’t believe them, you might say “When pigs fly!” to indicate that you think the story is impossible to believe. Alternatively, if you are told that you have to do something that you don’t want to do, you might say “When pigs fly!” to indicate that you are not willing to do it.
The expression can also be used in a more lighthearted way to indicate that something is unlikely to happen. For example, if you are told that it is going to snow in the middle of summer, you might say “When pigs fly!” to indicate that you find that unlikely.
The expression has become so popular that it is now used in all sorts of everyday situations, and it has become a part of the language. The expression is used to express disbelief, skepticism, and a general sense of impossibility.
## Common Myths about the Origin of the Term “Flying Pigs”
The phrase “flying pigs” is often used to indicate something unlikely or impossible. While the origin of the phrase is not known for certain, there are some common myths about it that need to be debunked.
Myth 1: “Flying pigs” originated from the nursery rhyme “This Little Piggy”.
This is false. While the nursery rhyme does include a reference to a pig flying, this is not likely to be the origin of the phrase “flying pigs”.
Myth 2: “Flying pigs” originated from the book “Animal Farm” by George Orwell.
This is also false. While the book does include a reference to pigs flying, it is not likely to be the origin of the phrase “flying pigs”.
Myth 3: “Flying pigs” originated from the Bible.
This is false. While the Bible does include a reference to pigs flying, it is not likely to be the origin of the phrase “flying pigs”.
Myth 4: “Flying pigs” originated from the phrase “When pigs fly”.
This is true. While the precise origin of the phrase is unknown, it is likely that the phrase “when pigs fly” was shortened to “flying pigs” over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the term flying pigs come from?
The phrase “flying pigs” is a metaphor for something that is highly unlikely and impossible to achieve. It is thought to have originated from a 17th century English proverb which states “when pigs fly”. This proverb is still used today to express disbelief or doubt about something.
What does the phrase “when pigs fly” mean?
The phrase “when pigs fly” is used to express disbelief or doubt about something. It is often used sarcastically to mean that something is very unlikely or impossible to happen. The phrase is thought to have originated from a 17th century English proverb and is still used today to express disbelief or doubt.
Conclusion
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The expression “flying pigs” is used to describe something that is impossible or highly unlikely to occur. It originated in the 17th century, and has been used in literature, music, film, television and comics. It is often used to express disbelief, skepticism and a general sense of impossibility. The expression has become so popular that it is now used in everyday situations and has become a part of the language.
