Rainin’ Like a Cow Peein’

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Rainin’ Like a Cow Peein’ on a Flat Rock" is a colorful way to describe a heavy, splattering rainstorm.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Rainin’ Like a Cow Peein’ on a Flat Rock' is more regional, this is one of a few that I haven't heard in real life that I remember. But I've been around cows, and that's a downpour.

Pronunciation

[RAY-nin like a KOW PEE-in on a FLAT ROCK] /ˈreɪnɪn laɪk ə kaʊ ˈpiːɪn ɑn ə flæt rɑk/

Meaning & Usage

- Heavy, splattering rainstorm (simile)

Betty:

Think it’ll clear up soon?

Tom:

Not with it rainin’ like a cow peein’ on a flat rock.

variations: Raining Like a Cow Peeing on a Flat Rock, Rainin’ Like a Cow Pissin’ on a Flat Rock, Rainin’ Cats and Dogs (mainstream equivalent), Pourin’ Buckets

★ The image of a cow urinating on a flat rock creates the perfect rural metaphor for rain splattering hard on the ground. Variants with "pissin’" instead of "peein’" are common among older speakers. ★

Origin

Rooted in farm life where cows and flat rocks were everyday sights, this saying spread across the South and Appalachia as a vivid way to describe rain pounding the earth.

Notes

Still heard in rural and small-town Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region it may sound rustic, humorous, or shocking but clearly conveys "heavy rain."

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: often "rainin’ like a cow peein’ on a flat rock" or "rainin’ like a cow pissin’ on a flat rock," with the "g" dropped in "rainin’."

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Is this phrase considered polite?

It’s folksy and a bit crude - "peein’" or "pissin’" can raise eyebrows outside the region.

Can you use it in mixed company?

Traditionally yes in rural areas, but some people swap "peein’" for "pourin’" or "peltin’" to soften it.

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially among older speakers or as a humorous throwback.

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