How to Pronounce "what the devil"

expression

ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɛvəɫ

HWUHT-thuh-DEV-uhl or WUHT-thuh-DEV-uhl

wˈɒt/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈɛvəl

WOT-thuh-DEV-uhl

Definition

An old-fashioned, slightly humorous or strong expression used to show surprise, confusion, or irritation when you want to ask what something is or what's going on.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈhwət/, /ˈwət/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɛvəɫ

British English

wˈɒt/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈɛvəl

Simplified Pronunciation

HWUHT-thuh-DEV-uhl or WUHT-thuh-DEV-uhl

WOT-thuh-DEV-uhl

Listen in Context

What the devil is that noise outside?

What the devil are you doing here?

What the devil does this word mean?

What the devil happened to my keys? I left them right here.