We say it all the time—“It’s raining cats and dogs!”—but have you ever stopped to think where such a bizarre phrase comes from? Why animals? Why falling from the sky?
The idiom “raining cats and dogs” is one of the most curious expressions in the English language. It sounds ridiculous, and yet everyone knows exactly what it means: a heavy downpour. But its origins are shrouded in mystery, folklore, and urban legends.
Let’s explore the wild history behind this idiom, its possible roots, and how it became one of the most memorable weather phrases in English.
What Does “Raining Cats and Dogs” Actually Mean?
The phrase “raining cats and dogs” is used to describe torrential rain—weather so severe that it goes beyond a normal drizzle or shower. But unlike phrases like “heavy rain” or “pouring”, this one paints an absurd mental picture. And that’s part of its staying power.
The Most Popular Theories Behind the Phrase
1. The Myth of Animals Falling from the Sky
While there have been real, documented cases of fish or frogs falling from the sky during storms due to waterspouts or tornadoes, there’s no scientific evidence that cats and dogs have ever rained down from the heavens.
Still, this idea may have helped the phrase take hold as a metaphor for chaotic weather.
🔗 Read more about raining animals on National Geographic
2. Medieval Street Theory
One of the most popular (though unproven) explanations is that during the Middle Ages in Europe, cats and dogs would seek shelter in thatched roofs. During heavy rain, they’d slip off and fall into the streets, creating the illusion that they were “raining.”
Another version claims that after severe flooding in the unsanitary streets of old London, dead animals would wash up in the gutters—giving rise to the gruesome image of cats and dogs “falling with the rain.”
While dark, this theory is still speculative.
3. Language Evolution from Greek or Norse Roots
Some linguists believe the phrase may have evolved from older idioms or expressions.
- The Greek expression cata doxa means “contrary to experience” or “unexpected,” which could describe unusual weather.
- Norse mythology featured Odin, the storm god, often associated with dogs (wind) and wolves.
- In 17th-century English, a storm might be described using the term “cats and dogs,” which were symbols of chaos.
These connections are plausible but lack direct historical evidence.
4. Jonathan Swift’s Satire
The earliest known use of the phrase in print appears in Jonathan Swift’s 1710 poem “A Description of a City Shower,” where he described stormy London streets:
“Drowned puppies, stinking sprats, all drenched in mud,
Dead cats and turnip tops come tumbling down the flood.”
This suggests that cats and dogs—dead or alive—being seen in the streets during storms may have inspired the metaphor.
🔗 See full poem via Poetry Foundation
When Did the Phrase Become Common?
By the 18th century, the phrase “raining cats and dogs” was well established in English writing and conversation. It made appearances in dictionaries and literature and eventually traveled overseas with British settlers, embedding itself into American English as well.
Today, it’s considered a classic English idiom and appears in ESL textbooks, weather jokes, and even T-shirts.
Variations in Other Languages
Other languages also use creative metaphors to describe heavy rain—but few are as odd as “cats and dogs.”
- French: Il pleut des cordes (“It’s raining ropes”)
- Spanish: Está lloviendo a cántaros (“It’s raining jugs”)
- German: Es regnet Bindfäden (“It’s raining string”)
- Welsh: Mae hi’n bwrw hen wragedd a ffyn (“It’s raining old women and sticks”) — yes, really!
Each of these idioms offers a unique cultural perspective on the shared experience of extreme weather.
🔗 Learn more on BBC Languages
Why Do These Phrases Survive?
Despite being outdated or strange, idioms like “raining cats and dogs” endure because they’re:
- Vivid – They create strong mental images
- Memorable – Easier to recall than plain phrases
- Cultural – They reflect history, humor, and storytelling
They’re also part of how language keeps its flavor, evolving with generations while preserving tradition.
Should You Still Use It?
While “raining cats and dogs” is instantly recognizable, some English speakers today see it as old-fashioned or theatrical. Still, it’s widely understood and safe to use in casual or creative contexts.
For more modern slang, someone might say:
- “It’s pouring.”
- “It’s dumping outside.”
- “It’s coming down hard.”
But none have the charm and curiosity of “cats and dogs.”
Final Thoughts: A Phrase as Strange as the Weather
We may never know exactly why we say “raining cats and dogs,” but the phrase has stuck with us for over 300 years. It reflects our love of metaphor, our obsession with weather, and maybe even our tendency to exaggerate just a little.
So next time the rain pours down in sheets, pause for a moment—and imagine cats, dogs, and a whole lot of history falling from the sky.
Because language, like weather, is full of surprises.
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