why the Devil

English

Alternative forms

• the Devil

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Adverb

the devil (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) Used to add emphasis to a question or statement.

   Synonyms: the dickens; see also Thesaurus:the dickens

   What the devil are you doing here at this time of night?

   • 1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], Act I:

     VVhat is he an honeſt man? the deuill he is, he is the Parſon of the Towne,
     You thinke ther’s no knauerie hid vnder a black gowne,
     Find him in a pulpit but twiſe in the yeare,
     And Ile find him fortie times in the ale-houſe taſting ſtrong beare.

   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling:

     “Brother,” said she, “whatever message Mr Blifil thinks proper to send to my niece shall be delivered to her; and I suppose she will want no instructions to make a proper answer. I am convinced she will not refuse to see Mr Blifil at a proper time.”—“The devil she won’t!” answered the squire.

Derived terms

• the devils
• the devil you say
• the dickens
• what the devils

Translations

adds emphasis to a question or statement

Breton: an diaoul Portuguese: diabos (pt)

Proper noun

the devil

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see the,‎ devil.