- An idiomatic, often humorous or sarcastic way to say that something will never happen because it's completely impossible (like pigs being able to fly).
Explanation
Origin
- This idiom uses the absurd and impossible image of pigs flying to denote utter impossibility.
- Variations existed earlier (e.g., when pigs whistle), dating back to at least the 17th century.
- The fly version gained traction, possibly influenced by the general atmosphere of fantastical impossibilities in works like Lewis Carroll's, though the exact phrase isn't in Alice. It became well-established in the 19th/20th centuries.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Yeah, right (Sarcastic)
- Get outta here (Expressing disbelief)
- As if!
- Snowball's chance in hell
- Fat chance
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- When fucking pigs fly
- Like fucking hell / Fuck that
Milder/Formal:
- That's highly improbable
- I seriously doubt that will ever happen
- That seems entirely impossible
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Humorous but can easily come across as sarcastic or dismissive.
- Avoid in formal settings or when discussing serious possibilities.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers need to understand it's a fixed idiom for impossibility, based on an absurd image, and not related to actual pigs or aviation.
Examples
- He promises he'll start saving money? Yeah, when pigs fly.
- She'll clean her room without being asked when pigs fly.
Dialogue
Liam: Do you think the boss will finally approve our request for new computers this year?
Nora: Ha! When pigs fly. Remember last year's budget meeting? Not a chance.
Liam: Yeah, wishful thinking, I guess.
Social Media Examples
- Post: My cat will learn to fetch the newspaper when pigs fly. #CatLogic #ImpossibleDreams
- Comment Thread: User A: Maybe THIS year my team will finally win the championship! User B: Sure... when pigs fly. 😉
Response Patterns
- Laughter or amusement: Haha, true!
- Agreement on the impossibility: Yeah, exactly. / So, never then?
- Mild offense if used dismissively about something the listener hoped for: That's a bit harsh!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Usually ends the discussion of that possibility or prompts agreement/laughter.
- Someone might jokingly respond, Well, I saw one flapping its wings yesterday!
Conversation Starter
- No. A response indicating impossibility, often sarcastically.
Intonation
- Often said with a sarcastic, dismissive, or humorous tone.
- Stress usually on pigs and fly. When PIGS FLY.
- Sometimes accompanied by a slight laugh, smirk, or eye-roll.
Generation Differences
- Well-understood across generations.
- Might be seen as slightly quaint, folksy, or cliché by some younger people, but still widely recognized.
Regional Variations
- Widely known in most English-speaking countries.
- Pigs might fly is a common variant, perhaps slightly more prevalent in British English, often used with a tone of skepticism rather than outright impossibility.