What the devil Meaning in English
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.
Usage & Nuances
Considered old-fashioned and mild; used for dramatic effect or humor. It is less common in modern speech, and can sound theatrical or playful. Often similar to 'what on earth' or 'what the heck' but more archaic.
Spanish: ¡qué demonios! - ¿qué diablos?Portuguese (BR): que diabo - que diabosPortuguese (PT): que diabo - que raioChinese (Simplified): 到底怎么回事 - 到底是什么Chinese (Traditional): 到底是怎麼回事 - 到底是什麼Hindi: यह क्या बकवास है - आखिर है क्याArabic: ما اللعنة - ما هذا بحق الجحيمBengali: কি বিপদ - কি আশ্চর্যRussian: чёрт возьми - какого чёртаJapanese: いったい - 一体（いったい）Vietnamese: cái quái gì - quái lạKorean: 도대체 - 대체Turkish: ne oluyor - hay aksiUrdu: یہ کیا ماجرا ہے - یہ کیا مصیبت ہےIndonesian: apa-apaan ini - ada apa ini
Example Sentences
What the devil is that noise outside?
basic
What the devil are you doing here?
basic
What the devil does this word mean?
basic
What the devil happened to my keys? I left them right here.
natural
You scared me! What the devil were you thinking, sneaking up like that?
natural
What the devil! Where did all my files go? They were here a minute ago.
natural