When pigs fly? Practically speaking, it’s a phrase we toss around when something is impossible—like “I’ll finish that report by midnight. ” But have you ever wondered where the idea that a pig could take to the skies actually came from? The answer isn’t a wild animal‑adventure novel; it’s a witty line from a 17th‑century playwright named Ben Jonson Took long enough..
Quick note before moving on Not complicated — just consistent..
What Is “When Pigs Fly”
The expression “when pigs fly” is a playful way to say that an event will never happen. ” It’s used to dismiss a suggestion or promise that seems absurd or unattainable. Still, think of it as the modern equivalent of “when the moon turns into a donut. The phrase has stuck around for centuries, and its roots trace back to a particular scene in a play by Ben Jonson, an English dramatist who was a contemporary of Shakespeare.
And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds.
Ben Jonson (1572‑1637) was known for his sharp wit and satirical edge. Practically speaking, he wrote comedies, masques, and moral plays that often poked fun at human follies. In one of his less‑cited works, The Devil Is an Old Devil (1632), he introduced a character who declares that pigs will fly, a comment that has become the cornerstone of our modern idiom.
The Line That Started It All
In The Devil Is an Old Devil, a character named Pope Pish says:
“When pigs fly, that is, when the devil goes to his own.”
The line was meant to mock the idea that certain things were impossible, and the image of a pig in flight was absurd enough to make the audience laugh. Over time, the phrase was shortened to the more familiar “when pigs fly Most people skip this — try not to. Less friction, more output..
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might wonder why a 17th‑century playwright’s joke still matters. Day to day, understanding the origin of this phrase gives us a window into how language evolves and how humor can shape culture. It also reminds us that many of the idioms we use daily come from specific moments in history, not just random slang Most people skip this — try not to. Still holds up..
If you're know the backstory, the phrase feels richer. Plus, instead of just saying “when pigs fly,” you can say, “Ben Jonson coined the phrase in The Devil Is an Old Devil. ” That extra detail can be a conversation starter, a teaching moment, or a clever way to spice up a presentation Worth keeping that in mind..
And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds The details matter here..
Real Talk: Language Is a Living Thing
Language isn’t static. Also, idioms morph, get shortened, and sometimes get completely lost. That said, tracing a phrase back to its source keeps the living history alive. It also shows how a single line can travel across centuries, crossing oceans, and still be understood by millions of people in modern pop culture Surprisingly effective..
How It Works (or How to Do It)
Let’s break down how the phrase “when pigs fly” has survived and why it still feels fresh today.
1. The Power of Visual Imagery
A pig in flight is a striking mental picture. Visual imagery is a powerful mnemonic device. When people hear “when pigs fly,” the absurdity of the image sticks. That’s why the phrase is so memorable.
2. Satire and Humor as Vehicles
Ben Jonson was a master of satire. Practically speaking, by embedding the line in a comedic context, he ensured it would be repeated in jokes and stories. The humor made the line stick That's the whole idea..
3. Repetition in Popular Culture
From Shakespearean plays to modern sitcoms, the phrase has been echoed countless times. On the flip side, each time it’s used, it reinforces the idea that pigs can’t fly. The repetition keeps it alive.
4. The Role of Education
Textbooks and language courses often include idioms as examples of figurative speech. “When pigs fly” is a textbook case, so it gets taught in schools, further cementing its place in everyday speech.
5. The Internet and Meme Culture
In the digital age, memes spread faster than ever. A funny image of a pig wearing a pilot’s hat can go viral, giving the phrase a new life. Internet culture loves absurdity, so the phrase thrives online.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Even seasoned language lovers sometimes mix up the origin or the meaning Most people skip this — try not to..
1. Blaming Shakespeare
A common misconception is that Shakespeare coined the phrase. He didn’t. Jonson was the original source. Shakespeare did use “pigs” in other contexts, but not the flying idiom.
2. Assuming It’s a Modern Slang
Some people think the phrase is a recent internet invention. Think about it: in fact, it dates back to the 1600s. The modern usage is just a continuation of the original joke.
3. Misquoting the Original Line
The original line included a reference to the devil. People often drop that part and just say “when pigs fly” without realizing the full context.
4. Overusing It
Because it’s a fun phrase, it can be tempting to overuse it. Keep it in moderation—otherwise it loses its punch Most people skip this — try not to..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
If you want to sprinkle this idiom into your writing or conversation, here are some honest tips that will make it feel natural That's the part that actually makes a difference..
1. Use It When the Situation Is Clearly Impossible
The phrase works best when the event is truly outlandish. If you say it to a friend about buying a Ferrari on a tight budget, it might feel forced.
2. Pair It With a Brief Reference
If you’re in a more formal setting, a quick nod to Ben Jonson can add flavor:
“As Ben Jonson once joked, ‘when pigs fly,’ so I doubt that proposal will pass.”
3. Keep the Tone Light
The idiom is inherently humorous. Avoid using it in a serious or accusatory tone.
4. Combine It With Visuals
If you’re posting on social media, add a quirky image of a pig in a cape. Visuals reinforce the absurdity and increase engagement.
5. Alternate With Other Idioms
Don’t feel you have to over‑rely on this one. Mix it up with “when the sun turns to ice” or “when hell freezes over” for variety.
FAQ
Q1: Did Ben Jonson actually write “when pigs fly”?
A1: He wrote a line that included the idea, but he didn’t use the exact phrase “when pigs fly.” The modern idiom is a condensed version of his original joke.
Q2: Is “when pigs fly” a common idiom in other languages?
A2: Many languages have their own impossible‑event idioms—like French’s “lorsque les poules auront des dents” (when hens get teeth). The pig version is uniquely English.
Q3: Can I use “when pigs fly” in a professional email?
A3: Only if the tone allows for light humor. In most business contexts, it’s safer to use more neutral phrases And that's really what it comes down to..
Q4: Are there any other famous works by Ben Jonson?
A4: Yes, he wrote Volpone, The Alchemist, and Bartholomew Fair, among others. He was a prolific playwright and satirist.
Q5: Why do people still remember this phrase after so many years?
A5: The absurd image, the humor, and repeated cultural references keep it alive. Human brains love memorable nonsense Surprisingly effective..
Closing
The next time someone says something that feels as impossible as a pig taking flight, you’ll know the joke’s roots stretch back to a 17th‑century playwright. Consider this: ben Jonson’s clever line has outlived centuries, proving that a good punchline can travel through time. Keep it in your linguistic toolbox, and enjoy the chuckle it brings—just remember to use it when the sky really is the limit It's one of those things that adds up..
