Final Up to date on: August 9, 2023 by Crystal Uys
The phrase “raining cats and canine” is a typical expression used to explain heavy rain or a sudden downpour. Whereas the phrase’s which means is well-known, its origins are much less clear. Many theories recommend the place the phrase got here from, starting from sensible to legendary.
Some recommend the phrase originated from the poor drainage techniques in Seventeenth-century Europe. In the meantime, others imagine that it could 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, inspecting these theories can inform us how the phrase has advanced. Let’s discover the varied theories concerning the origins of the phrase “raining cats and canine.”
What Does “Raining Cats and Canines” Imply?
In fashionable utilization, the idiom “raining cats and canine” is usually used to explain very heavy rain. It usually has the connotation that the rain is surprising or sudden. For instance, somebody may say, “I used to be going to take a stroll, however it’s raining cats and canine on the market.”
The phrase may also describe different issues coming down closely or in giant portions. As an illustration, somebody may say, “The leaves are falling prefer it’s raining cats and canine.” That will describe a very heavy autumnal leaf fall.
Alternatively, they might say, “My inbox is filled with emails; it’s raining cats and canine in right here.” It could describe an amazing variety of incoming messages.
Total, “raining cats and canine” is a typical and versatile idiom used to explain heavy rain. It might additionally outline different issues coming down closely, in giant portions, or in a chaotic or disorderly scenario.
Origin of “Raining Cats and Canines”
The origin of the idiom “raining cats and canine” 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 below are some cultural and historic references that assist present context for its use. Additionally they make clear the varied associations and meanings the phrase has acquired over time.
Medieval Europe
It’s believed that “raining cats and canine” got here from medieval Europe, the place individuals constructed their properties with thatched straw roofs. Thatched roofs have been standard 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 canine, would typically cover 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 surprising sight throughout heavy rain might need led individuals to say it was “raining cats and canine.”
Whereas there isn’t sufficient proof to help this idea, it’s standard amongst language consultants. So, it’s usually advised as a potential origin of the phrase. The idea has some historic benefit, as thatched roofs have been widespread in medieval Europe.
These roofs usually collapsed throughout heavy rain within the medieval period. Moreover, cats and canine lived as pets and might need sought shelter within the rafters throughout a storm.
Norse Mythology
One other “raining cats and canine” idea suggests it got here from Norse mythology. In Norse mythology, cats and canine 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 brought about 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 help this idea, it serves as a potential origin of the phrase.
French Phrase “Catadoupe”
One other idea means that it could have originated from the French phrase “catadoupe.” In French, “catadoupe” means waterfall or cataract. This phrase could have entered England through the Norman Conquest of 1066 when French grew to become the language of the English courtroom.
When spoken rapidly or with a regional accent, “catadoupe” could sound like “cats and canine.” The phrase was probably misheard and repeated by English audio system. Ultimately, it grew to become the English expression “raining cats and canine.”
Whereas little proof helps this idea, it’s a believable clarification. The truth that many individuals spoke French in England through the Center Ages makes it plausible. The similarity between “catadoupe” and “cats and canine” additionally provides to its plausibility.
Greek Expression
One other idea means that it could 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 surprising or opposite to what one may anticipate.
“Raining cats and canine” describes an uncommon and surprising scenario that appears opposite to perception. If it was raining so arduous that it appeared unattainable, individuals may say it was “raining cats and canine.”
The truth that “cata doxa” and “cats and canine” sound related might 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 techniques on buildings in Seventeenth-century Europe. Throughout heavy rain, the drains on buildings might change into clogged with particles and different supplies. Because of this, they might overflow and disgorge their contents onto the streets beneath.
This might embody the corpses of any animals collected within the drains. It was a grim and ugly 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 gadgets together with the flood. That features “drowned puppies, stinking sprats, all drenched in mud, lifeless cats and turnip-tops.”
“Raining cats and canine” describes an disagreeable and surprising sight. So, it’s according to the concept that it originated from seeing animal corpses and different particles throughout heavy rain.
European Folklore
One potential reference is the affiliation of cats and canine with witches and their familiars in European folklore. Through the Center Ages, cats and canine have been usually portrayed as companions of witches. The animals have been additionally believed to have magical powers.
Thus, the concept of cats and canine falling from the sky throughout heavy rain could have been seen as a supernatural prevalence. It was believed that these witches might management the climate. Folks additionally thought they could use their powers to make it rain cats and canine 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, canine have been thought-about to have the facility to detect and keep off 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 canine with animal welfare within the 1800s. Throughout this era, there have been issues concerning the therapy of cats and canine 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 probably inspired individuals to be extra conscious of their welfare.
Nonsensical Phrase
There are a lot of theories on the origin of the phrase “raining cats and canine.” Nevertheless it’s additionally potential that there isn’t any clear or logical clarification for its origin. It might be a nonsensical phrase used for its humorous or exaggerated impact.
It might 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 which means.
It’s additionally potential that the phrase advanced from many various origins and influences. As with many points 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 via generations.
In the end, the precise origin of the phrase “raining cats and canine” could stay a thriller.
Conclusion
“Raining cats and canine” is a widely 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 completely different theories proposed through the years.
No matter its origin, its recognition highlights how language and tradition evolve. From historic 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 every other. With a ardour to teach the general public about every part, there’s to find out about felines, their habits, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating positive that every one cats and their homeowners know the significance of acutely aware residing – and loving!
