What are the Origins of the Phrase “Its Raining Cats and Dogs”?
In many English speaking areas of the world, heavy weather is sometimes described “raining cats and dogs,” suggesting that the rain is extremely heavy and rather unpleasant to be out in. A related saying from some parts of England is “raining stair-rods.” There are a number of explanations for the origins of this phrase, which dates to the 1600s, ranging from the mythological to the macabre. Unfortunately, the macabre explanation is probably the most likely. On the mythological end of things, some people have suggested that the term comes from the idea that cats and dogs are associated with the weather in some regions of the world. Cats especially have historically been linked with witchcraft and the ability to control the weather. However, this explanation for “it’s raining cats and dogs” seems a bit thin when you consider the fact that many cats are not fond of water, and therefore they would have no reason to cause heavy rains, even if they could.
