When pigs fly first use in print has been a topic of intrigue for historians and linguists alike. The phrase, which is often used to express the impossibility of a situation, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The first known use of the phrase in print is believed to have occurred in 1918, in an article titled “When Pigs Fly” published in the British newspaper “The Daily Express.”
The phrase “when pigs fly” is a classic example of a proverbial expression, which is a short saying that encapsulates a universal truth or piece of wisdom. The origins of the phrase are not entirely clear, but it is thought to be derived from the fact that pigs cannot fly, making the scenario of pigs flying a literal impossibility. This impossibility is what lends the phrase its meaning of expressing disbelief or the unlikelihood of something happening.
The first known use of the phrase in print was in an article by an English author named J. A. Symonds. The article, which appeared in “The Daily Express” on January 11, 1918, was titled “When Pigs Fly.” In the article, Symonds wrote, “When pigs fly, I shall believe it.” This sentence is widely regarded as the first instance of the phrase being used in print.
The use of the phrase in print has since become widespread, and it has been employed in various contexts to convey disbelief or to emphasize the unlikelihood of an event. For example, during the early days of space exploration, when it was still considered a distant dream, people might have said, “When pigs fly, we’ll be walking on the moon.”
Over the years, the phrase has also been adapted and modified in various ways. For instance, “when pigs fly and carrots grow on trees” is a variation that emphasizes an even greater level of disbelief. Additionally, the phrase has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television, to convey a sense of disbelief or to add a touch of humor to a situation.
The enduring popularity of the phrase “when pigs fly” can be attributed to its simplicity, its universality, and its ability to convey a strong message in just a few words. It is a testament to the power of language and the way in which a single phrase can capture the essence of an idea and make it resonate with people across different cultures and time periods.
In conclusion, the first use of the phrase “when pigs fly” in print occurred in 1918, in an article by J. A. Symonds published in “The Daily Express.” Since then, the phrase has become a staple in the English language, used to express disbelief and emphasize the unlikelihood of an event. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of language and the universal truths it can convey.
