The Devil Is An Ass Ben Jonson When Pigs Fly

Ever heard someone drop a line like “the devil is an ass when pigs fly” and feel completely lost? In practice, it sounds like a mash‑up of a classic play title and a nonsense idiom, and that’s exactly why it sticks in your mind. Maybe you caught it in a casual chat, a meme, or a misquoted line in a movie. In this piece we’ll untangle the bits that actually belong together, see why the whole thing matters, and figure out how to use it without tripping over your own words.

What Is the Devil is an Ass Ben Jonson When Pigs Fly?

The Literary Roots

Ben Jonson wrote a comedy called The Devil is an Ass* back in the early 1600s. It’s not a title you hear every day, but it’s a real play that survived the test of time. On top of that, the story revolves around a crafty devil who tries to stir up trouble in a small town, only to be outwitted by a clever merchant. Jonson’s humor leans on witty wordplay and sharp observations of human nature, which is why the title still pops up in academic circles and theater circles alike.

Because the play’s title is a bit of a mouthful, people sometimes shorten it or remix it when they’re being playful. The phrase “the devil is an ass” on its own can sound like a cheeky insult, but when you tack on “Ben Jonson” it points directly to the source material. That connection is the first piece of the puzzle.

The Idiom Connection

“When pigs fly” is a well‑known idiom that means something is impossible or highly unlikely. It’s the sort of expression you might hear when someone says, “I’ll finish this report when pigs fly.” The image of a pig soaring through the sky is absurd, and that absurdity is what gives the phrase its punch.

Putting those two ideas together — the devil is an ass* (a nod to Jonson’s play) and when pigs fly* (the impossibility idiom) — creates a quirky construction that feels both literary and colloquial. It’s not a standard saying you’ll find in a dictionary, but it’s the kind of mash‑up that pops up in informal conversation, online jokes, or creative writing.

Why It Matters / Why People Care

You might wonder why anyone should bother with a phrase that seems like a random jumble. Practically speaking, the answer lies in how language evolves. When people blend references — especially a classic work with a modern idiom — they create a shorthand that conveys layered meaning in a single breath.

In everyday talk, the phrase can signal that something is both foolish and impossible. And imagine a friend saying, “You think you can get that promotion without any experience? The devil is an ass when pigs fly.Which means ” The sentence packs a critique of hubris (the devil being an ass) and a reminder that the scenario is unrealistic (when pigs fly). That dual punch makes the expression memorable.

In creative writing, the blend offers a playful way to reference both the literary world and contemporary slang. It shows that the writer is comfortable moving between historic texts and modern speech, which can add depth and humor to a story.

How It Works (or How to Do It)

Breaking Down the Phrase

Let’s look at the pieces one by one:

• The devil – often used metaphorically to represent temptation, mischief, or a tricky situation.
• is an ass – “ass” here is a blunt term for someone who’s foolish or obnoxious. In Jonson’s play, the devil itself is portrayed as a mischievous, self‑important character, so calling it an “ass” fits the tone.
• Ben Jonson – adds the literary anchor, pointing listeners to the original source.
• when pigs fly – the idiom that tells the listener the whole idea is impossible.

When you string them together, you’re essentially saying, “The notion of the devil being a foolish creature is as unlikely as pigs taking flight.” It’s a compact way to dismiss an idea as both absurd and impossible.

When It Actually Makes Sense

You’ll find the phrase most useful in informal settings where humor is welcome. It works well in:

• Casual conversation – to shut down a wild claim with a smile.
• Social media posts – as a witty caption that hints at cultural literacy.
• Creative writing – to add a layer of irony or to reference classic literature without a long explanation.

In formal writing, however, the phrase might feel out of place unless you’re discussing language evolution or theatrical references. In those contexts, it’s better to explain the components first.

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Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong

One frequent slip is treating the whole string as a single idiom without recognizing its parts. Some people think “the devil is an ass” is a standalone saying, missing the link to Jonson’s play. Others treat “when pigs fly” as a literal prediction, which defeats the purpose of the idiom.

Another mistake is using the phrase in a serious, technical context. If you’re drafting a legal contract or a scientific report, tossing in a whimsical mash‑up can undermine credibility. Save it for moments where a light tone is appropriate.

Finally, some folks try to attribute the phrase to a specific author or date, assuming it’s a classic proverb. In reality, it’s a modern remix. Acknowledging that it’s a contemporary construction helps avoid confusion.

Practical Tips / What Actually Works

• Know your audience – Use the phrase when you sense the listeners or readers are comfortable with a bit of humor and cultural reference. In a mixed crowd, you might first explain the components briefly.
• Keep it concise – The power of the phrase lies in its brevity. Don’t over‑explain; let the humor do the work.
• Pair it with a clear point – If you’re dismissing an idea, make sure the surrounding sentence makes the target obvious. Take this: “Your claim that you can finish the project overnight is the devil is an ass when pigs fly.”
• Read the room – In professional settings, a simple “That sounds impossible” may be safer. Reserve the full phrase for informal chats, blog posts, or creative pieces.
• Check for understanding – If you notice blank stares, a quick follow‑up like “It’s a playful way of saying it’s impossible” can clear things up without breaking the flow.

FAQ

Is “the devil is an ass Ben Jonson when pigs fly” a traditional proverb?
No. It’s a contemporary blend that pulls from Ben Jonson’s play The Devil is an Ass* and the older idiom “when pigs fly.” It isn’t found in classic collections of proverbs.

Can I use this phrase in formal writing?
It’s best reserved for informal or creative contexts. In academic or legal documents, stick to straightforward language to maintain professionalism.

Why mention Ben Jonson specifically?
Ben Jonson’s play gives the phrase a literary anchor, showing that the expression isn’t random but ties back to a known work. It also adds a layer of cultural reference that can enrich the humor.

What does “the devil is an ass” mean on its own?
In the context of the play, the devil is portrayed as a foolish, self‑important character. Outside that setting, it can be used to describe anyone acting in a reckless or obnoxious manner.

Is there any truth to the idea that pigs can’t fly?
Literally, pigs lack the physical ability to fly, which is why the idiom works as a symbol of the impossible. The phrase’s humor comes from that impossibility.

Closing

The devil is an ass Ben Jonson when pigs fly may sound like a tongue‑twister, but it’s really a compact way to blend literary history with everyday slang. By understanding where each piece comes from, you can wield the phrase with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and add a splash of wit to your conversations. Just remember to keep the setting right, the tone light, and the message clear. When you do, the phrase does more than amuse — it shows you’re tuned into both the past and the present of language.