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le: The Surprising Origins of the Phrase "Raining Cats and Dogs" If you've ever experienced a heavy rainstorm, you might have heard someone remark that it's "raining cats and dogs." But have you ever wondered where this strange saying comes from? There are several theories about the origins of the phrase. One popular explanation is that it dates back to the times when homes had thatched roofs made of straw or other plant material. During heavy rainstorms, animals - including cats and dogs - would sometimes take shelter in the roofs. When the weather became too extreme, either the animals would fall out or parts of the roof would collapse, leading to the exclamation that it was "raining cats and dogs." However, other historians argue that this explanation is unlikely. Thatched roofs were common in rural areas, but the phrase "raining cats and dogs" seems to have originated in cities. Additionally, the idea of animals hiding in straw roofs during storms is not supported by much evidence. Another theory is that the phrase comes from Norse mythology. The Norse god Odin was associated with wind, storms, and dogs, while the goddess Freya was said to have control over cats. During a fierce storm, it was believed that these deities would send their animals down to earth, hence the phrase "raining cats and dogs." However, this theory is also contested, as there is no real evidence to support it. The most likely explanation is that the phrase simply developed over time as a fanciful way to express the idea of a heavy rainstorm. English speakers have been using it since at least the 17th century, with the first recorded instance appearing in a 1653 poem by Richard Brome. It's possible that the phrase originally had a more literal meaning - perhaps referring to small animals that would be thrown around by the wind during a storm - but over time it became a metaphor for anything that fell from the sky in a tumultuous way. Regardless of its origins, "raining cats and dogs" remains a popular and intriguing idiom. It's just one example of the many strange phrases and expressions that exist in the English language, and a testament to the enduring power of language to surprise and delight us.
