We often hear the phrase when pigs fly used jokingly to describe something that will never happen. It’s short, witty, and instantly understood. But have you ever wondered where this odd expression came from—or why it’s sometimes linked to the famous English writer Ben Jonson?
The phrase Ben Jonson when pigs fly sparks curiosity because it connects a humorous idiom with one of the most respected literary figures of the English Renaissance. Was Ben Jonson really responsible for this phrase? Did he actually write it? Or is his name simply attached to the saying over time?
we’ll explore the origins, meaning, historical context, and cultural impact of when pigs fly, with a special focus on Ben Jonson’s role in shaping early English expressions. Written in a simple, conversational style, this guide will help you understand how language evolves—and why strange phrases often have fascinating backstories.
ALSO READ: Unpacking The Isaiah 60:22 Meaning For Modern Believers
Understanding The Phrase When Pigs Fly
Before diving into Ben Jonson’s connection, it’s important to understand the phrase itself.
What Does When Pigs Fly Mean?
When pigs fly is an idiom used to describe something that is extremely unlikely or impossible. It’s usually said in a humorous or sarcastic tone.
For example:
- He says he’ll wake up early every day—yeah, when pigs fly.
The humor comes from imagining pigs, animals firmly grounded on land, suddenly flying through the air. The mental image is absurd, which reinforces the idea that the event being discussed will never occur.
Who Was Ben Jonson?
To understand why the phrase is sometimes associated with him, we need to look at who Ben Jonson was.
A Brief Overview of Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson (1572–1637) was a major English playwright, poet, and literary critic. He lived during the same period as William Shakespeare and is considered one of the most influential writers of his time.
He was known for:
- Sharp wit and satire
- Clever wordplay
- A deep interest in classical literature
- Writing comedies that explored human behavior and social flaws
Jonson’s works were packed with memorable lines, moral lessons, and humorous observations about life. Because of this, many expressions from his era are often traced back to him—even if the attribution isn’t always certain.
Did Ben Jonson Coin When Pigs Fly?
This is where things get interesting.
The Short Answer
There is no solid evidence that Ben Jonson personally invented the exact phrase when pigs fly as we use it today. However, similar expressions appeared in English literature during or even before his lifetime.
Why Is Ben Jonson Connected to It?
Ben Jonson is sometimes mentioned in discussions about the phrase because:
- He used exaggerated, humorous language in his plays
- His era popularized colorful idioms
- Later scholars and readers loosely associated witty sayings with well-known writers
In short, while Ben Jonson may not have directly written “when pigs fly,” his style and influence helped normalize exaggerated expressions that made English more playful and expressive.
Early Versions Of The Phrase In English Literature
The idea behind when pigs fly is older than the modern wording.
Earlier Variations
Long before the phrase took its current form, English speakers used similar expressions such as:
- Pigs might fly
- Till pigs fly
- When swine fly
These versions carried the same meaning: something impossible or ridiculous.
Some early texts even used longer, more dramatic descriptions, like pigs flying with wings—emphasizing the absurdity even more strongly.
Why Pigs? The Symbolism Behind The Phrase
You might wonder why pigs were chosen for this expression.
Cultural Perception of Pigs
Historically, pigs were seen as:
- Earthbound animals
- Messy or humorous creatures
- Completely unsuited for flight
This made them perfect symbols for impossibility. Saying “when pigs fly” instantly creates a mental contradiction—exactly what makes the idiom effective.
Ben Jonson Writing Style And Language Influence
Even if Ben Jonson didn’t invent the phrase, his work played a major role in shaping expressive English.
Jonson’s Love for Wit and Exaggeration
Ben Jonson frequently used:
- Hyperbole (extreme exaggeration)
- Satirical comparisons
- Clever metaphors
These techniques helped phrases like “when pigs fly” feel natural and entertaining to audiences. His plays often poked fun at human foolishness using over-the-top imagery—very similar to how the phrase works.
How The Phrase Survived Through Centuries
Many idioms disappear over time, but when pigs fly endured.
Why It Stuck
The phrase survived because it is:
- Easy to remember
- Universally funny
- Visually imaginative
- Flexible in conversation
It works across generations, cultures, and contexts, which is why it remains popular today.
Modern Usage Of When Pigs Fly
Today, the phrase is used casually in everyday speech.
Common Situations Where It’s Used
- Expressing doubt about promises
- Responding sarcastically to unrealistic plans
- Adding humor to disagreement
For example:
- They’ll lower prices next week? Sure—when pigs fly.
The phrase adds personality to speech without being offensive or harsh.
Misattributions In Literature: A Common Issue
Ben Jonson isn’t the only writer to whom phrases are incorrectly attributed.
Why Famous Writers Get Credit
Idioms are often linked to famous authors because:
- Their works are well-preserved
- Their language feels authoritative
- Readers enjoy attaching meaning to well-known names
Over time, these loose connections become accepted assumptions—even when evidence is thin.
Comparing When Pigs Fly To Similar Idioms
English is full of creative ways to express impossibility.
Other Expressions with the Same Meaning
- Not in a million years
- Over my dead body
- When hell freezes over
Each phrase uses exaggeration, but when pigs fly stands out because of its playful imagery rather than dramatic tone.
The Phrase In Humor And Pop Culture
The expression has appeared in:
- Comedy routines
- Cartoons
- Everyday jokes
Its lighthearted nature makes it ideal for humor without sounding cruel or aggressive.
Why This Phrase Still Matters Today
Understanding idioms like when pigs fly helps us:
- Appreciate language creativity
- Understand cultural humor
- Communicate more naturally
It also shows how writers like Ben Jonson influenced the way we enjoy expressive language—even centuries later.
Conclusion
The phrase when pigs fly is a perfect example of how humor, imagination, and exaggeration shape language. While Ben Jonson may not have directly coined the phrase, his influence on English wit and expression played a role in making such idioms feel natural and memorable.
The connection between Ben Jonson and when pigs fly reminds us that language doesn’t emerge in isolation. It grows through generations of writers, speakers, and shared cultural understanding. What started as an exaggerated joke became a timeless expression that still makes us smile today.
By exploring its history and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for both the phrase and the literary world that helped shape it.
FAQs
What is Ben Jonson when pigs fly?
It refers to the popular idiom when pigs fly, sometimes loosely associated with Ben Jonson due to his influence on witty and exaggerated English expressions.
Did Ben Jonson invent the phrase when pigs fly?
No, there is no clear evidence that he invented it, though similar expressions existed during his lifetime.
What does when pigs fly mean today?
It means something is extremely unlikely or will never happen.
Why are pigs used in this phrase?
Pigs symbolize impossibility because they are earthbound animals not capable of flying, making the image humorous.
Why has the phrase remained popular for so long?
Because it’s simple, funny, imaginative, and easy to use in everyday conversation.
ALSO READ: Are Grasshoppers Good Luck? Discover Their Symbolic Significance
