first recorded use of when pigs fly devil is an ass
What is the first recorded use of “when pigs fly” and “the devil is an ass”?
The phrases “when pigs fly” and “the devil is an ass” are interesting idiomatic expressions with historical roots.
“When Pigs Fly”
Meaning and Origin:
The expression “when pigs fly” is an idiomatic way of saying that something will never happen. It encapsulates a sense of impossibility, given that pigs are not capable of flight.
First Recorded Use:
The phrase has been used in various forms over the centuries, with early parallels in other languages. One of the earliest known uses in English literature dates back to a Scottish proverb from the 1600s. The proverb suggested that pigs might fly with their tails forward, indicating skepticism about an improbable event. Over time, it evolved into the more familiar “when pigs fly.”
Famous Mentions:
- Lewis Carroll in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) includes a scene where hearing oysters talking should be as improbable as pigs flying.
- Another notable literary mention is in the 20th century humorist mid-century.
Cultural Context:
Throughout history, different cultures have used their unique sayings to express disbelief or impossibility. Expressions like “when pigs fly” become popular because they humorously communicate skepticism and doubt.
“The Devil is an Ass”
Meaning and Origin:
The phrase “the devil is an ass” originally implies that the devil, known for cunning, can sometimes act foolishly or miss his goals. It’s an expression that suggests even the clever can be stupid or fallible.
First Recorded Use:
The phrase “the devil is an ass” is most famously attributed to the play by Ben Jonson, an English playwright, which premiered in 1616. The play “The Devil is an Ass” uses the phrase as its title and explores themes of human folly and the limitations of the supernatural devil compared to human wickedness.
Literary Context:
Ben Jonson’s play is a satirical comedy that critiques English society and vice. The title itself serves as an ironic statement that even the devil, known for being the ultimate deceiver, can be outwitted and is, therefore, an “ass”—an old English term for being foolish or incompetent.
Conclusion
Both expressions have roots in literature and culture, serving different purposes to express impossibility and folly. They demonstrate how language evolves and encapsulate human experiences over time through wit and irony. Understanding these sayings enrich one’s appreciation for language and its ability to communicate complex ideas with humor and brevity.
Would you like to explore more about idiomatic expressions or their historical context? @anonymous12