what the hell
1. An exclamation used to emphasize surprise, shock, anger, disgust, etc. In this phrase, "the hell" is used as an intensifier. What the hell are you doing? You can't come in here! What the hell? I just had this fixed, and now there's a dent in it! Just what the hell is going on here?
2. Why not; one might as well; it makes no difference anyway. A: "Do you think we can add some extra effects to this scene?" B: "Sure, what the hell." Let's see, I'll take a gallon of milk, a carton of eggs, a loaf of bread, and… what the hell, one of those bouquets of flowers, too.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
What (in) the hell?
1. Inf. What has happened?; What? What in the hell? Who did this? What the hell happened here?
2. Inf. What does it matter? Why not? (Usually with the force of an exclamation.) Give her a new one. What the hell! Don't be such a cheapskate. Get the nice one. What the hell!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
what the hell
1. It's not important, who cares, as in
It cost a lot more, but what the hell, we can afford it. [Second half of 1800s] Also see
what of it.
2. An intensive of
what, as in
What the hell do you think you're doing? [First half of 1800s] Also see under
on earth.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
what the ˈhell!
(spoken) it doesn’t matter; I don’t care: ‘Do you want a cigarette?’ ‘No, thanks, I’ve given up. Oh, what the hell! Yes, I will have one, after all.’(Some people find this use offensive.)Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
What the hell?
verbMcGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.