When pigs fly – meaning, origin and usage

If you haven’t heard it before, the phrase “when pigs fly” sounds rather odd. It’s supposed to!

In this article we’re going to unpack just what is meant by this quirky phrase, and do a deep dive into its origins. Then we’ll round off with a discussion on how to use the phrase, complete with a few handy examples.

Let’s get to it!

What’s the meaning of the phrase “when pigs fly”?

The phrase “when pigs fly” is used to express disbelief that something is possible, since it is impossible for pigs to fly. The phrase can also be used as a a humorous or even taunting response to someone’s prediction when we want to let them know that we consider it impossible.

There is also the phrase “pigs might fly” which means the same thing.

What’s the origin of the phrase “when pigs fly”?

This phrase “when pigs fly” is an adynaton, a figure of speech in the form of extreme hyperbole in order to imply complete impossibility. It was a Scottish proverb, written in Latin in 1586, that first acknowledged the impossibility of pigs flying, but this was not enough to popularise the phrase.

The most famous use of the phrase comes from Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland published in 1865. The quote is: “‘I’ve a right to think,’ said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried. Just about as much right,’ said the Duchess, ’as pigs have to fly.’” Carroll also used a similar phrase in his novel Through the Looking Glass published in 1872 where he wrote:

‘The time has come,’ the Hialms said, 

’To talk of many things: 

Of shoes - and ships - and sealing-wax -

Of cabbages - and kings -

And why the sea is boiling hot -

And whether pigs have wings.’

Similar phrases exist in other languages. For instance, the Finnish say “when cows fly” and the French say “when hens will have teeth”.

How to use the phrase “when pigs fly” with examples

You can use the phrases “when pigs fly” or “pigs might fly” whenever you want to express disbelief that something can be possible. Here are some examples of context where the phrase can be used:

Person 1: My team is going to make it to the premier league next season.

Person 2: Ha ha, yeah, pigs might fly.

“I’ve already told you; I will learn to dance when pigs can fly”.

“With the funding issue we’ll have to wait for pigs to fly before the renovation is complete.”

Final word

So, in summary, the phrases “when pigs fly” or “pigs might fly” are adynatons. Or in other words, a figure of speech in the form of extreme hyperbole in order to imply complete impossibility. You can use the phrases to convey disbelief that something might be possible. Similar expressions have been used since the 1500’s but the phrase was popularised by the author Lewis Carroll in his books Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.