Dickens

usgb/ˈdɪkɪnz/
noun

A lot of something, a great deal or amount.

Why the dickens did you do that?
Visual representation of "dickens" - A lot of something, a great deal or amount

Often appears as...

  • what the dickens
  • why the dickens

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "dickens"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expression Intensity

Used to emphasize the strength of a feeling or the degree of a situation.

Illustration for Expression Intensity
How the dickens did he lift that heavy box by himself?
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Emphasis

Shows strong emotions like frustration, curiosity or disbelief.

Illustration for Emotional Emphasis
Why the dickens are you late again?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Outdated Phrase

Less common in modern speech but adds quirky charm to language.

Illustration for Outdated Phrase
Who the dickens could have taken my umbrella?
Visual representation of the word "Dickens"

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