Rainin’ Like a Cow Peein’ on a Flat Rock
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Rainin’ Like a Cow Peein’ on a Flat Rock" is a colorful way to describe a heavy, splattering rainstorm.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #WeatherandSeasons #Nature #Southern #Euphemisms
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. 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?
Think it’ll clear up soon?
Tom:
Not with it rainin’ like a cow peein’ on a flat rock.
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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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’."
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