- Raining very heavily; a downpour.
Explanation
Origin
The exact origin is uncertain and debated, with several colourful but unlikely theories:
- Mythological: Norse mythology associated Odin (god of storms) with dogs and wolves, and witches (often associated with storms) with cats.
- Drainage: In 17th/18th century England, poor drainage systems might have resulted in deceased animals being washed into the streets during heavy storms, giving the appearance they'd fallen from the sky. (Often cited, but lacks strong evidence).
- Sound: The sound of heavy rain on a tin roof might resemble the noise of cats and dogs fighting.
- Word Corruption: Possibly from the Greek cata doxa (contrary to experience or belief, like unbelievable rain) or French catadoupe (waterfall).
Regardless of the true origin, it became a popular way to describe exceptionally heavy rain.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Pissing down (Vulgar, common UK/Aus)
- Lashing down
- It's biblical out there (Exaggerated, implies flood-level rain)
- Coming down in buckets / Bucketing down
Standard/Neutral:
- It's pouring.
- Heavy rain.
- There's a downpour.
Milder:
- It's raining hard.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Very common and widely understood, but sounds a bit quaint or old-fashioned to some.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Highly figurative. Non-native speakers might be very confused if they try to interpret it literally. Emphasize it just means raining very hard.
Examples
- I'm soaked! It's raining cats and dogs out there.
- We had to cancel the picnic because it started raining cats and dogs.
- Better take an umbrella; it looks like it's going to rain cats and dogs.
Dialogue
Person A: Are you heading out now?
Person B: I was planning to, but listen to that! It's raining cats and dogs.
Person A: You're right. Maybe wait a bit for it to ease up?
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Seriously raining cats and dogs in London right now! 🌧️ Hope everyone stays dry. #UKweather #downpour
- Facebook Post: Well, so much for gardening today. It's absolutely raining cats and dogs. Inside day it is!
- Instagram Story: (Video of heavy rain) Caption: Raining cats and dogs! ☔️
Response Patterns
- Wow, really?
- Oh no! I need to close the windows.
- Good thing I brought my raincoat.
- Tell me about it! (If also experiencing the rain)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Checking the weather forecast.
- Deciding whether to go out or stay in.
- Commenting on related weather phenomena (thunder, lightning).
- Taking practical measures (getting an umbrella, closing windows).
Conversation Starter
- Yes, commenting on the weather, especially extreme weather, is a common way to start small talk. Can you believe this weather? It's raining cats and dogs!
Intonation
- Emphasis on CATS and DOGS.
- Often said with a tone of slight exaggeration or emphasis on the intensity of the rain.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations, but perhaps used more frequently by older generations (40+). Younger people might prefer pouring or bucketing down.
Regional Variations
- Understood globally, but bucketing down is more common in the UK and Australia/NZ as a direct equivalent.