What, where, who, why, etc. the devil…
interjection
Used to express surprise, annoyance, or disbelief.
What the devil are you doing here at this hour?
Often appears as...
- what the devil?
- where the devil?
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
interjection
Used to emphasize something surprising or hard to believe.
Why the devil would he act that way?
Often appears as...
- why the devil?
- how the devil?
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
interjection
Used to express impatience or exasperation.
When the devil is he going to finish that project?
Often appears as...
- when the devil?
- what the devil?
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
interjection
Used to express surprise, annoyance, or disbelief.
What the devil are you doing here at this hour?
Often appears as...
- what the devil?
- where the devil?
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
interjection
Used to emphasize something surprising or hard to believe.
Why the devil would he act that way?
Often appears as...
- why the devil?
- how the devil?
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
interjection
Used to express impatience or exasperation.
When the devil is he going to finish that project?
Often appears as...
- when the devil?
- what the devil?
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Surprise Factor
Expresses shock or unexpectedness of a situation or action.
What the devil! You scared me!
Pro Tip 2/3Annoyance Emphasis
Highlights irritation or frustration with someone or something.
Where the devil are my keys?
Pro Tip 3/3Disbelief Tone
Used when something is hard to believe or accept.
How the devil did you solve that?
Never forget "What, where, who, why, etc. the devil…"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension