The Impossibility Engine
An academic exploration of the idiom "When Pigs Fly," delving into its origins, meaning, and cultural significance as a figure of speech for the unattainable.
What is it? 👇 Global Parallels 🌍Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Definition: The Art of Impossibility
Adynaton and Hyperbole
The phrase "when pigs fly" (or its variant, "pigs might fly") is a prime example of an adynaton. An adynaton is a figure of speech that employs extreme hyperbole to describe an event or situation as utterly impossible. The inherent absurdity of the statement underscores the absolute certainty that the circumstances to which it is applied will never occur.
Sarcastic Remark
Historically, this idiom has been employed since at least the 17th century, often used with a sarcastic tone. It serves to dismiss or mock overly ambitious plans or unrealistic expectations by comparing them to the literal impossibility of a pig taking flight.
Historical Roots
Scottish Origins and Literary Echoes
The idiom appears to stem from an old Scottish proverb. Its literary presence is notable, with early appearances in significant works. François Rabelais, in his 1553 text Gargantua and Pantagruel, includes a fantastical depiction of a winged pig as a champion in a battle, lending a visual element to the concept.
Carroll's Canonical Usage
The phrase gained further prominence through its inclusion in Lewis Carroll's seminal works. In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the Duchess remarks to Alice, "You've no idea what you're talking about," and when Alice asserts her right to think, the Duchess retorts, "Just about as much right... as pigs have to fly." Later, in Through the Looking-Glass, the Walrus contemplates "whether pigs have wings," further cementing the imagery in popular culture.
The Nuance of Impossibility
Humorous Dismissal
The core function of "when pigs fly" is to convey absolute impossibility, often with a touch of humor. It is frequently used to scoff at unrealistic aspirations or to sarcastically acknowledge a rare, unexpected success. For instance, if someone known for failure suddenly achieves something remarkable, an observer might exclaim, "Look! A flying pig!"
Retorts and Exclamations
Variations exist, such as "And pigs will fly," typically used as a retort to an outlandish or unbelievable statement. The phrase serves as a linguistic tool to draw a clear boundary between the plausible and the impossible, often highlighting the speaker's skepticism or amusement.
Cultural Manifestations
Cinematic and Digital Realms
The idiom's resonance extends into modern media. In the film The Eagle Has Landed, an Irish agent uses the phrase "Pigs may fly, General, but I doubt it!" to express skepticism about German victory in World War II. Later, witnessing paratroopers, he exclaims, "Mother of God! Flying pigs!" The 2012 mobile game Bad Piggies directly incorporates the phrase into its thematic structure.
Linguistic Examples
Lewis Carroll's works provide specific instances:
Global Parallels in Impossibility
Cross-Cultural Expressions
The concept of expressing impossibility through absurd imagery is universal. Many languages feature similar idioms:
- English: "When Hell freezes over," "monkeys might fly out of my butt."
- Spanish: Cuando los chanchos vuelen (when pigs fly).
- Romanian: Când o zbura porcul (when the pig shall fly), or La Paștele cailor (on horses' Easter).
- Latin: Ad kalendas graecas (to the Greek calends).
- German: Wenn Schweine fliegen können! (if pigs can fly), or the older Wenn Schweine Flügel hätten, wäre alles möglich (if pigs had wings, everything would be possible).
- Finnish: Kun lehmät lentävät (when cows fly), noted for its alliteration.
- Swedish: När grisar flyger (when pigs fly).
- French: Quand les poules auront des dents (when the hens have teeth).
- Russian: Когда рак на горе свистнет (when the crayfish will whistle on the mountain).
- Hebrew: "Until the donkey ascends the ladder."
- Egyptian Arabic: Bukra fil mish-mish (tomorrow when the apricots bloom), referring to their short season.
Pigasus: The Winged Swine
Literary and Linguistic Symbolism
Pigasus, a portmanteau of pig and Pegasus, refers to a pig with wings. This mythical creature has appeared in various contexts:
- John Steinbeck: The author adopted "Ad astra per alia porci" (intended to mean 'to the stars on the wings of a pig') as his motto. While grammatically imperfect in Latin (alia means 'other things', not 'wings'), it symbolized his self-perception as earthbound yet aspiring. He sometimes used an image of a flying pig, Pigasus, in his works.
- Oz Books: Ruth Plumly Thompson featured a character named Pigasus in her Oz books during the 1930s. This Pigasus bestowed the gift of poetic speech upon its riders.
- Mark Kistler: The children's author and illustrator frequently features a Pigasus in his drawing instruction videos.
Grammatical Nuance
The phrase "Ad astra per alia porci" is noted for its grammatical inaccuracy. The correct Latin construction for "to the stars on wings" would typically involve alas (the accusative plural of ala, meaning wing) after the preposition per. The use of alia (neuter plural of alius, meaning 'other') suggests a more abstract or perhaps whimsical interpretation, fitting for the symbolic nature of the motto.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "When Pigs Fly" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Jack Snow, Who's Who in Oz, Chicago, Reilly & Lee, 1954; New York, Peter Bedrick Books, 1988; p. 161.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice Regarding Content
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available.
This is not a statement of fact regarding zoology or physics. The information presented pertains to the linguistic and cultural usage of an idiom. It does not imply the literal possibility of pigs flying. The creators of this page are not responsible for any misinterpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.
Always consult authoritative sources for factual information and professional advice when needed.