Final Up to date on: August 9, 2023 by Crystal Uys
The phrase “raining cats and canines” is a typical expression used to explain heavy rain or a sudden downpour. Whereas the phrase’s that means is well-known, its origins are much less clear. Many theories counsel the place the phrase got here from, starting from sensible to legendary.
Some counsel the phrase originated from the poor drainage methods in Seventeenth-century Europe. In the meantime, others consider that it might have its roots in Norse mythology. One other idea suggests the phrase was a French phrase misheard by English audio system.
Whereas there’s no definitive reply, analyzing these theories can inform us how the phrase has developed. Let’s discover the assorted theories in regards to the origins of the phrase “raining cats and canines.”
What Does “Raining Cats and Canines” Imply?
In fashionable utilization, the idiom “raining cats and canines” is usually used to explain very heavy rain. It usually has the connotation that the rain is sudden or sudden. For instance, somebody would possibly say, “I used to be going to take a stroll, but it surely’s raining cats and canines on the market.”
The phrase can even describe different issues coming down closely or in massive portions. As an illustration, somebody would possibly say, “The leaves are falling prefer it’s raining cats and canines.” That will describe a very heavy autumnal leaf fall.
Alternatively, they might say, “My inbox is stuffed with emails; it’s raining cats and canines in right here.” It might describe an amazing variety of incoming messages.
Total, “raining cats and canines” is a typical and versatile idiom used to explain heavy rain. It could additionally outline different issues coming down closely, in massive portions, or in a chaotic or disorderly scenario.
Origin of “Raining Cats and Canines”
The origin of the idiom “raining cats and canines” is unsure. It has been a subject of a lot hypothesis and debate amongst language consultants for hundreds of years. Whereas the true origin of the phrase is unknown, a number of theories element the way it could have come to be.
Listed here are some cultural and historic references that assist present context for its use. Additionally they make clear the assorted associations and meanings the phrase has acquired over time.
Medieval Europe
It’s believed that “raining cats and canines” got here from medieval Europe, the place folks constructed their properties with thatched straw roofs. Thatched roofs have been common as they have been simple to assemble and offered good insulation. However, throughout heavy rain, the straw would overwhelm the roof, inflicting it to break down.
Small animals, like cats and canines, would typically disguise within the rafters of those roofs to flee the rain. When the roof would collapse throughout a heavy rainstorm, the animals would fall from the roof. This sudden sight throughout heavy rain may need led folks to say it was “raining cats and canines.”
Whereas there isn’t sufficient proof to assist this idea, it’s common amongst language consultants. So, it’s usually advised as a doable origin of the phrase. The speculation has some historic advantage, as thatched roofs have been frequent in medieval Europe.
These roofs usually collapsed throughout heavy rain within the medieval period. Moreover, cats and canines lived as pets and may need sought shelter within the rafters throughout a storm.
Norse Mythology
One other “raining cats and canines” idea suggests it got here from Norse mythology. In Norse mythology, cats and canines have been related to storms and dangerous climate. The Norse god Odin owned a pair of cats he despatched into the clouds to battle with Thor, the god of thunder.
The cats would claw on the clouds and make them launch their rain, resulting in the assumption that cats triggered rain. So, the phrase described the concept that throughout heavy rainstorms, these mythological creatures have been combating within the clouds and inflicting the rain to fall extra closely.
Whereas there’s little to no proof to assist this idea, it serves as a doable origin of the phrase.
French Phrase “Catadoupe”
One other idea means that it might have originated from the French phrase “catadoupe.” In French, “catadoupe” means waterfall or cataract. This phrase could have entered England throughout the Norman Conquest of 1066 when French turned the language of the English court docket.
When spoken shortly or with a regional accent, “catadoupe” could sound like “cats and canines.” The phrase was presumably misheard and repeated by English audio system. Ultimately, it turned the English expression “raining cats and canines.”
Whereas little proof helps this idea, it’s a believable rationalization. The truth that many individuals spoke French in England throughout the Center Ages makes it plausible. The similarity between “catadoupe” and “cats and canines” additionally provides to its plausibility.
Greek Expression
One other idea means that it might have come from the Greek expression “cata doxa.” In Greek, “cata doxa” means “opposite to expertise or perception.” This expression was used to explain conditions that have been sudden or opposite to what one would possibly count on.
“Raining cats and canines” describes an uncommon and sudden scenario that appears opposite to perception. If it was raining so onerous that it appeared inconceivable, folks would possibly say it was “raining cats and canines.”
The truth that “cata doxa” and “cats and canines” sound related may have contributed to its evolution. However no clear proof means that the phrase was borrowed from Greek.
Jonathan Swift’s Poem
One idea suggests the phrase refers to poor drainage methods on buildings in Seventeenth-century Europe. Throughout heavy rain, the drains on buildings may develop into clogged with particles and different supplies. Consequently, they might overflow and disgorge their contents onto the streets under.
This might embrace the corpses of any animals gathered within the drains. It was a grim and unsightly sight for onlookers.
This idea is referenced in Jonathan Swift’s 1710 poem “Description of a Metropolis Bathe.” Swift describes a heavy London rain that sends disagreeable objects together with the flood. That features “drowned puppies, stinking sprats, all drenched in mud, useless cats and turnip-tops.”
“Raining cats and canines” describes an disagreeable and sudden sight. So, it’s in keeping with the concept that it originated from seeing animal corpses and different particles throughout heavy rain.
European Folklore
One doable reference is the affiliation of cats and canines with witches and their familiars in European folklore. Through the Center Ages, cats and canines have been usually portrayed as companions of witches. The animals have been additionally believed to have magical powers.
Thus, the thought of cats and canines falling from the sky throughout heavy rain could have been seen as a supernatural incidence. It was believed that these witches may management the climate. Individuals additionally thought they could use their powers to make it rain cats and canines as a type of punishment or to trigger chaos.
The affiliation of those animals with witches dates again to the medieval interval. Cats have been additionally thought to speak with spirits and shape-shift into different animals. Equally, canines have been thought of to have the ability to detect and push back evil spirits.
The phrase could have served as a warning of impending hazard or an indication of dangerous luck.
Animal Welfare within the 18th Century
One other reference is the affiliation of cats and canines with animal welfare within the 1800s. Throughout this era, there have been considerations in regards to the remedy of cats and canines in city areas. The animals have been usually uncared for or mistreated in these areas.
The phrase could have been used to draw consideration to the plight of those animals. It additionally presumably inspired folks to be extra conscious of their welfare.
Nonsensical Phrase
There are a lot of theories on the origin of the phrase “raining cats and canines.” But it surely’s additionally doable that there isn’t any clear or logical rationalization for its origin. It may very well be a nonsensical phrase used for its humorous or exaggerated impact.
It may have described significantly heavy rainfall with none underlying metaphor or symbolism. It resembles different English expressions for heavy rain, like “raining pitchforks” or “raining hammer handles.” These expressions convey the depth of a storm with none deeper that means.
It’s additionally doable that the phrase developed from many various origins and influences. As with many features of language and tradition, the phrase’s origins could have been misplaced or forgotten. New interpretations and meanings emerged because the phrases have been handed down by generations.
In the end, the precise origin of the phrase “raining cats and canines” could stay a thriller.
Conclusion
“Raining cats and canines” is a well known expression used to explain heavy rain or a sudden downpour. Regardless of its widespread use, the phrase’s origins stay mysterious. There have been a number of totally different theories proposed through the years.
No matter its origin, its reputation highlights how language and tradition evolve. From historical myths to sensible concerns, the phrase has been formed by quite a few cultural and historic influences.
Featured Picture Credit score: sirtravelalot, Shutterstock
Concerning the creator
Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely baby. For now! All through her life, she has been launched to the particular love that may be discovered within the bond with a cat. Having owned a number of felines, she is greater than sure that their love is unmatched, unconditional and in contrast to another. With a ardour to teach the general public about all the things, there’s to find out about felines, their conduct, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating certain that each one cats and their house owners know the significance of aware dwelling – and loving!