The Village Idiom

in a pig's arse

"In a pig's arse" is an idiom used to express strong disbelief or denial. It indicates that something is highly unlikely or impossible to occur. The phrase draws on the image of an unimaginable or absurd situation, associating it with the rear end of a pig for emphasis.

Vulgar slang · Filed under I

In a sentence

  • Do you think he will ever pay back the money he owes me? In a pig's arse!
  • Will she apologize for her behavior? In a pig's arse, she's too stubborn for that.
  • Do you honestly believe that story? In a pig's arse, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "in a pig's arse" is a colloquial expression, most commonly used in British English. It is often used as a direct response to convey strong disagreement or objection, dismissing the likelihood or possibility of the mentioned event or circumstance actually occurring. The origins of the idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century and it is believed to have emerged as a figurative comparison between the unlikelihood of a specific event happening and the anatomical impossibility of a pig possessing an arse, or posterior. The phrase is known for its strong and emphatic rejection, often accompanied by a sense of disbelief or ridicule.

The idiom "in a pig's arse" shares similarities with other idiomatic expressions such as "my arse" and "in a pig's eye." These expressions are all used in informal contexts to express skepticism or disbelief. While "in a pig's arse" and "in a pig's eye" convey a similar sense of disbelief or lack of agreement, "my arse" is used more assertively to dismiss or refute a statement. It is a more direct way of expressing strong disagreement or skepticism.

The idiom "in a pig's arse" can also be connected to the phrase "in a pig's patoot." Both idioms share a similar structure and convey a sense of disbelief or disbelief. However, "in a pig's patoot" is a less common expression and it may not be as widely recognized or used as "in a pig's arse."

"If pigs had wings" is also a related idiom that can be connected to "in a pig's arse." Both idioms depict an unlikely or impossible scenario. While "in a pig's arse" is more focused on expressing disbelief or skepticism, "if pigs had wings" is used to emphasize the impossibility of a certain event occurring. It is a way of saying that something is highly improbable or unlikely to happen.

These idioms are all used to express strong disagreement, skepticism, or a sense of disbelief. They are informal expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversations, particularly in British English-speaking regions. The coarseness and directness of these idiomatic expressions may make them inappropriate for more formal settings or publications, but they are effective in conveying a strong and emphatic rejection.

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