the first recorded use of the phrase “when pigs fly” in print
The First Recorded Use of “When Pigs Fly” in Print
Answer: The phrase “when pigs fly” is a widely recognized idiom used to denote something that is highly unlikely or impossible to happen. This expression is a perfect example of the use of hyperbole in language, creating a vivid image of flying pigs to emphasize the improbability of an event.
Historical Context and Variations
The roots of “when pigs fly” can be traced back several centuries, though tracing the exact first use in print can be somewhat challenging due to variations and the evolution of language over time. The phrase likely evolved from older expressions and metaphors that humorously indicated impossibility.
Early Instances in Literature
While an exact pinpoint of the first recorded use in print might vary according to different sources, one of the earliest known examples in English literature appears in the 17th century.
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1620: One of the earliest known references is credited to a collection of proverbs compiled by an English scholar, which included phrases that indicated absurdity or impossibility, although this version did not directly use the words “when pigs fly.”
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1865: According to some sources, the phrase appears closer to its modern form in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” While Carroll did not use “when pigs fly” verbatim, he did use imaginative and surreal expressions in conversation that align with concepts of impossibility.
Popularization of the Phrase
The colloquial usage of “when pigs fly” gained momentum in the English-speaking world as the idiom became more widespread during the 19th and 20th centuries. It often appeared in humorous contexts in literature and everyday speech to emphasize the absurdity of a request or suggestion.
Modern Usage and Cultural Impact
Today, “when pigs fly” is a standard phrase used in many English-speaking countries. It has also found its way into various cultural outputs, including movies, television shows, and music, further cementing its place in popular culture as a humorous expression of improbability.
Conclusion
Although there might be slight variations in the recorded “first use” in literature, the enduring popularity of the phrase “when pigs fly” highlights the human penchant for wit and exaggeration in illustrating impossible scenarios.
If you’re looking for a more specific reference in academic literature or a particular book, examining databases of historical texts and collections of English proverbs may yield more precise details. Should you have more specific sources or books you would like to explore, let me know how I can assist you further.
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