The phrase is an adynaton (late Latin meaning impossibility) which describes a figure of speech in the form of a hyperbole that when taken to extreme lengths describes a near impossibility. The implication of such a phrase is that the circumstances in question will never occur. The "when pigs fly" expression has been used in since the 1600s as sarcasm. (no kidding).
Enjoy your Weekend, Everyone.
16 comments:
Now, that's a hoot. made me smile. You have a great weekend, Beatrice.
the carving is really cute, i have heard the flying pigs my whole life but had no idea how far back it went
Love the photo and thank you for the explanation!
I once went to a bakery in Freeport, ME that had the Flying Pig as its name. They had some great bread and desserts.
From Pigs Can't Fly by the Irish Rovers:
Pigs can't swim and Pigs can't fly
But pigs can see the wind go by
Pigs make lovely household friends
When winter comes and summer ends
Oh, I like that!
saying is interesting dear Dorothy :)
and image is also cute
wishing you all the happiness my friend!
I have copied Emma's little poem... hope she doesn't mind.
I will forget the word, but I think I will remember that there is a proper name for this device.
Neat carving.
1600s! I didn’t know it went as far back as that.
I seem to remember that little pig :) Also a saying that my family used occasionally when I was growing up, and I still do sometimes.
Oh now that's a real find!!...:)jp
Cute photo and saying! Wishing you a happy week ahead.
I love it!
My visits to New England have always been business trips with little time to see much more than the hotel and immediate surroundings. So I especially love your visits and the history you share. Thank you for giving me a taste of the real area.
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