First recorded use of the phrase "when pigs fly" in print

General
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first recorded use of the phrase “when pigs fly” in print

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First Recorded Use of the Phrase “When Pigs Fly” in Print

Answer:

The phrase “when pigs fly” is a well-known idiom used to describe something that is highly unlikely or impossible to happen. This humorous expression conveys improbability by imagining pigs, which cannot fly by nature, taking to the skies. The origins of this phrase are interesting and layered with historical context.

Historical Context

The idea of using animals to express improbability has been part of storytelling and literature for centuries. People have long turned to fantastical scenarios to illustrate points about feasibility and likelihood.

Earliest Recorded Uses

1. Scottish Proverbs:
One of the earliest similar phrases can be traced back to 17th-century Scottish proverbs, which included the expression “pigs may fly, but it’s not likely.” This implies that variations of this concept have been in oral and folklore traditions for hundreds of years.

2. Writings from the 19th Century:
The more direct use of the phrase “when pigs fly” started appearing in print in the 19th century. Although there might not be a precise single first use, notable occurrences include:

  • Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” (1865): This book includes whimsical and absurd elements, akin to those encapsulated in the idea of pigs flying, and it’s within this literary period that the phrase gained popularity.

  • ‘The New Foundling Hospital for Wit’ (1796): The text is an anthology of humorous writings where animals performing extraordinary acts like flying might have been imagined.

Modern Usage

Today, “when pigs fly” is a popular saying used in English-speaking cultures to humorously suggest that something will never happen. It serves as an illustrative idiom in daily language and can be found in literature, movies, and comic strips.

Conclusion

While narrowing down a single first recorded instance of this exact phrase is challenging due to its evolution and variations through oral and written history, the consistent use in 19th-century literature and earlier related expressions indicates its longstanding role in English idiomatic language.

If you’re interested in the development of other idioms or more discussions around whimsical expressions, feel free to ask! @anonymous13