Where Does It's Raining Cats And Dogs Come From

Here's an in-depth exploration into the origins of the saying "raining cats and dogs," examining its historical roots, various theories, and cultural impact.

Where Does "Raining Cats and Dogs" Come From?

The idiom "raining cats and dogs" vividly describes a torrential downpour. While the image of animals falling from the sky might seem bizarre today, the phrase has a history as rich and murky as a storm itself. Pinpointing the exact origin of this saying is challenging, as it likely evolved over time, influenced by a variety of cultural and historical factors. Let's delve into the potential explanations and try to untangle the mystery behind this popular expression.

Introduction

The phrase "raining cats and dogs" is deeply embedded in the English language. It's used across different English-speaking countries and is easily understood to mean very heavy rain. But where did this strange idiom come from? The answer isn't straightforward, with several theories attempting to explain its evolution. Understanding these theories requires looking into the social conditions, linguistic habits, and even architectural practices of past centuries.

Theories and Possible Origins

Several theories attempt to explain the etymology of "raining cats and dogs." Each offers a plausible piece of the puzzle, though no single explanation is universally accepted. Here are some of the most prominent theories:

1. Norse Mythology:

   • One theory connects the phrase to Norse mythology. In Norse mythology, cats were associated with witches and were believed to have the power to influence the weather. Similarly, dogs were linked to the Norse god Odin, who was associated with storms. According to this explanation, "raining cats and dogs" could be interpreted as a storm influenced by witches and Odin, resulting in a severe downpour.
   • While this theory is intriguing, there's limited direct evidence to support its widespread influence on the phrase's origin. Norse mythology was a significant part of early Germanic and Scandinavian cultures, but its direct connection to this particular idiom remains speculative.

2. Medieval Housing Conditions:

   • A more grounded theory relates to the living conditions in medieval Europe, particularly in England. Houses were often built with thatched roofs, which provided shelter for various animals, including cats, dogs, rats, and mice. During heavy rains, these animals would sometimes be washed off the roof along with the thatch, creating the impression that it was "raining cats and dogs."
   • This theory is often cited due to its vivid and somewhat grim imagery. It paints a picture of unsanitary conditions and the harsh realities of life in earlier centuries. The combination of poor sanitation and rudimentary housing could certainly have contributed to the phrase's emergence.

3. Poor Drainage Systems:

   • Another theory related to urban infrastructure suggests that poor drainage systems in past centuries played a role. Cities often lacked effective sewage systems, and heavy rains could lead to streets flooding with all kinds of debris, including dead animals.
   • The sight of cats and dogs (and other unpleasant things) floating in the flooded streets could have given rise to the expression "raining cats and dogs" as a descriptive way to convey the severity and unpleasantness of the rain.

4. Literary Origins and Semantic Evolution:

   • Some researchers suggest that the phrase emerged from literary usage and evolved over time. One of the earliest recorded instances of a similar phrase appears in Richard Brome's 1651 play, The City Wit, where he wrote, "It shall rain dogs and polecats." While not exactly "cats and dogs," the phrase indicates a similar idea of animals falling from the sky during a storm.
   • Jonathan Swift used a similar expression in his 1738 Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious Conversation, writing "I know Sir John will go home in a shower of cats and dogs." This suggests that the phrase was gaining traction and evolving toward its modern form during the 18th century.
   • The evolution of the phrase might also involve semantic broadening, where the meaning of words expands over time. In this case, the initial expressions involving various animals may have gradually coalesced into the more familiar "cats and dogs," possibly due to the common association of these animals with domestic life and urban environments.

5. Misinterpretation of Words:

   • It's also possible that the phrase originated from a misinterpretation or corruption of older words or phrases. For example, the word "catadupe," meaning a waterfall or cataract, has been suggested as a possible source. Over time, people might have misheard or misunderstood the word, leading to the more literal "cats and dogs."
   • Similarly, the word "cattes" was an old English slang term for rubbish or garbage. Therefore, "raining cattes and dogs" could have initially meant "raining rubbish and other unpleasant things," which later evolved into the more literal interpretation.

Why "Cats" and "Dogs"?

Even if we consider the above theories, there's still the question of why specifically "cats" and "dogs" were chosen. Why not "raining cows and chickens," for example?

• Common Animals: Cats and dogs have long been common domestic animals, living in close proximity to humans. This familiarity likely contributed to their selection in the idiom. They were easily recognizable and relatable to the average person.
• Negative Connotations: In some historical contexts, cats and dogs were associated with negative qualities. Cats, especially black cats, were often linked to witchcraft and bad luck. Stray dogs were sometimes seen as disease carriers or nuisances. These negative connotations may have contributed to the phrase's implication of something unpleasant and chaotic.
• Sound Association: The sounds of "cats" and "dogs" might also have contributed to the phrase's appeal. The alliteration and rhythm of the words make the expression memorable and easy to say. The sharp, distinct sounds could also evoke the feeling of a sudden, intense downpour.

Cultural Impact and Usage

Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" has become a well-established part of the English language. Its cultural impact is evident in its widespread use in literature, media, and everyday conversation.

• Literature and Media: The phrase appears in countless books, movies, and television shows. Authors and screenwriters use it to create vivid imagery and quickly convey the intensity of a storm. Its familiarity ensures that the audience immediately understands the situation being described.
• Everyday Conversation: The idiom is also commonly used in everyday conversation. People use it to describe heavy rain without needing to elaborate further. Its concise and descriptive nature makes it a convenient way to communicate about the weather.
• Variations and Adaptations: While "raining cats and dogs" is the most common form, variations of the phrase exist. For example, some people might say "it's raining buckets" or "it's pouring." These variations share the same basic meaning but offer alternative ways to describe heavy rain.

Regional Differences

The use of "raining cats and dogs" can vary slightly across different English-speaking regions. While the phrase is generally understood everywhere, its frequency and cultural significance might differ.

• United Kingdom: The phrase is commonly used in the UK, where it's considered a standard idiom. Given the UK's history and the likely origins of the phrase in England, this is not surprising.
• United States: In the United States, "raining cats and dogs" is also well-known and widely used. It's considered a common idiom and is easily understood across different regions.
• Australia and Other English-Speaking Countries: The phrase is also used in Australia, Canada, and other English-speaking countries, though its prevalence may vary depending on local linguistic preferences and cultural influences.

Scientific Explanation of Heavy Rainfall

While the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is figurative, it's worth considering the scientific aspects of heavy rainfall. What causes torrential downpours, and how do they differ from ordinary rain?

• Convection: Heavy rain is often associated with strong convection currents in the atmosphere. Convection occurs when warm, moist air rises rapidly, cools, and condenses into clouds. If the atmosphere is unstable, this process can lead to the formation of large cumulonimbus clouds, which are capable of producing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even hail.
• Orographic Lift: Another factor that can contribute to heavy rainfall is orographic lift. This occurs when air is forced to rise over mountains or other elevated terrain. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. If the air is particularly moist, orographic lift can result in very heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountains.
• Atmospheric Rivers: In some regions, atmospheric rivers can also play a role in heavy rainfall. Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere. When these rivers make landfall, they can release large amounts of precipitation, leading to flooding and intense rainfall.
• Climate Change: It's important to note that climate change is likely exacerbating extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, which can lead to more intense precipitation events.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the phrase "raining cats and dogs":

• Is it actually possible for it to rain cats and dogs?

  • No, it is not literally possible for it to rain cats and dogs. The phrase is an idiom, meaning that it's a figurative expression and not meant to be taken literally.

• What's the best way to describe heavy rain?

  • You can use the phrase "raining cats and dogs" or other expressions like "pouring," "raining buckets," or "torrential rain."

• Is the phrase offensive?

  • The phrase is generally not considered offensive. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of your audience and the context in which you're speaking.

• Are there similar phrases in other languages?

  • Yes, many languages have similar idioms to describe heavy rain. For example, in Spanish, one might say "está lloviendo a cántaros" (it's raining pitchers), and in French, "il pleut des cordes" (it's raining ropes).

Conclusion

The origin of the idiom "raining cats and dogs" remains a fascinating and somewhat elusive mystery. While no single theory provides a definitive answer, the combination of historical housing conditions, poor sanitation, literary evolution, and linguistic factors likely contributed to its emergence. Regardless of its exact origins, the phrase has become a vivid and enduring part of the English language, used to describe heavy rainfall in a memorable and evocative way. Its continued usage reflects the power of language to capture and convey shared human experiences, even when those experiences are as commonplace as a torrential downpour. So, the next time you hear someone say, "it's raining cats and dogs," remember the rich and complex history behind this simple yet descriptive phrase.