The Curious Origin of the Phrase "Raining Cats and Dogs"
Languages are full of colorful expressions and idioms that add flavor to communication, and one of the more peculiar examples in the English language is the phrase "raining cats and dogs". This unusual saying is commonly used to describe torrential rainfall, but its meaning has puzzled people for centuries. Where did such a vivid metaphor come from, and why cats and dogs in particular?
Understanding the Idiom
The phrase is primarily used in English-speaking countries to refer to extremely heavy rain. While the literal interpretation—animals falling from the sky—is obviously fantastical, the phrase’s etymology likely has roots in historical circumstances and linguistic evolution.
Possible Historical Origins
There are several theories about where the saying originated. While none can be confirmed with absolute certainty, the most widely accepted explanations offer insight into the conditions and language of 17th-century Europe, particularly England.
- Poor Urban Sanitation: One popular theory suggests the phrase dates back to 17th-century London, where heavy rains sometimes flooded the streets. During these downpours, poor drainage systems would wash debris, including the corpses of animals like cats and dogs, into the open streets, making it appear as though it had just "rained" animals.
- Mythological and Literary References: Some etymologists believe the phrase may be tied to ancient mythologies, where dogs were associated with storm gods and wolves and cats with witches and misfortune. This could have influenced the use of animals in weather-related metaphors.
- Corruption of Language: There are suggestions that the phrase may have evolved from older words or phrases, such as the obsolete Greek expression "kata doxa," meaning "contrary to expectation," or the French term "catadoupe," meaning waterfall. Over time, linguistic corruption could have resulted in "cats and dogs."
The Phrase in Literature
The earliest documented use of the phrase appears in a 1651 poem by British poet Henry Vaughan. The most notable literary reference is from English author Jonathan Swift's 1710 publication "A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious Conversation," where he uses the phrase to depict a violent storm. These instances suggest the term was familiar to 17th- and 18th-century readers.
Symbolism of Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs have distinct symbolic meanings in various cultures, often representing chaos when paired together. Cats have been associated with mystery, superstition, and witchcraft, while dogs symbolize loyalty and occasionally, violence. The combination of the two in a phrase intended to convey turmoil may be an artistically exaggerated attempt to express nature’s uncontrollable fury.
Modern Usage and Variations
Today, "raining cats and dogs" is seen as a quaint or even humorous way to describe inclement weather. While it remains popular, especially in the United States and the UK, alternative phrases are now more common in casual conversation, such as:
- "It's pouring."
- "It's coming down in buckets."
- "A torrential downpour."
In non-English speaking cultures, weather-related idioms take different forms. For instance:
- In Swedish: "Det spöregnar" (It’s ghost-raining)
- In Welsh: "Mae hi'n bwrw hen wragedd a ffyn" (It’s raining old women and sticks)
- In French: "Il pleut des cordes" (It’s raining ropes)
Conclusion
While the true origin of "raining cats and dogs" may remain a mystery, most evidence points to 17th-century England and its dreadful urban conditions during storms. Whether it evolved from sightings on soggy cobblestone streets, mythological influences, or linguistic corruption, the phrase has stood the test of time. It remains a testament to the vivid imagination embedded within the English language—an idiom still raining down on us, centuries later.
