the dickens
phrase
informal + old-fashioned
—used to make a statement or question more forceful
What the dickens do you mean?
We'll have to work like the dickens to finish this project.
(US) It scared/frightened the dickens out of people.
(US) She's as cute as the dickens.
Cite this Entry
“The dickens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20dickens. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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