When it rains heavily, do you say its "teeming?"

[patcox2]

My mother says this, "its teeming out." I think that the expression "the teeming millions" is related.

Does anyone in your family say this? And if so, where are they from? (I mean original nationality, before the US; I have a theory about the origin of the expression).

[On the Road]

1. Have to Admit

I have never heard this expression anywhere.

[the_spectator]

2. Not for rain. I think that's just wrong.

"teeming millions" or "teeming masses" I can buy. But for rain, I don't think it's nationality, it's just Error.

[Shell Beau]

3. Never heard of it. I just say it is pouring.

Or it is raining its ass off. :shrug:

[patcox2]

6. The word "teem" means "pour" in a particular british dialect.

Thats why I am asking, I am wondering if the use of this term can be used to determine if your family is from that area.

[Left Is Write]

4. No. Teeming isn't the right word for rain.

If it's REALLY heavy, I might say it's coming down in sheets (if it is) or it's raining buckets.

[ChickMagic]

5. Only if frogs are involved

I suppose it could be teeming with cats and dogs. :shrug: My dad calls heavy rainstorms a "frog strangler".

[3lefts]

7. Used "teeming" my whole life in Philly...

lineage goes back to Ireland.

[Lilyhoney]

8. teem- to become filled with, overflowing.

[mitchtv]

9. heard it used in Queens, growing up 50 yrs ago

Not wrong that I know of. Father Irish, Mom ,old Yankee