the hell

slang

1. Used as an intensifier with question words to express surprise, disgust, anger, indignation, etc. How the hell was I supposed to know that? Just where the hell do you think you're going? What the hell is going on here?

2. Used to express emphatic rejection of something. A: "Once the judge signs the acquisition order, your land will be mine!" B: "The hell it will! You won't get away with this!" A: "I heard Tom is aiming to take over the manager position." B: "The hell he is! We've got to convince the bosses not to promote him!"

3. Short for "What the hell?" Why are you angry at me? The hell did I do wrong? The hell…? I just had this fixed, and now there's a dent in it! The hell is going on here? What's with all the screaming and shouting?