What and wild

AN awful lot of weather we've been having lately, Doreen! With all the snow, rain and wind lashing the country, we're betting you've had some choice words to describe the recent conditions.

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Here JAMES MOORE dons his grammar galoshes to explore the origins of some well-worn climate-themed phrases...

Raining cats and dogs: This is thought to come from medieval times, when animals often slept on thatched roofs and could be washed off in heavy downpours. It may also be tied up with Norse mythology. Cats were believed to be linked to the elements and the god Odin had a dog attendant who was supposed to be responsible for strong winds in storms.

Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey: One theory is that this term for freezing conditions goes back to the navy, when cannonballs were stacked in brass “monkey” rings. These would contract in the cold, causing the balls to fall off.