Hell's bells Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhɛɫz/ /ˈbɛɫz

HELZ-BELZ

UK

hɛlz/ /bˈɛlz

HELZ-BELZ

Definition

An old-fashioned exclamation used to show surprise, frustration, or annoyance, similar to saying 'oh my goodness' or 'wow'.

Usage & Nuances

This is a mild, old-fashioned expression, mainly in British English. It is rarely used by younger speakers and sounds slightly comical or theatrical. Not considered rude, but often used to express surprise, mild anger, or frustration. Often appears in stories or when imitating older speech.

• Spanish: ¡caramba! - ¡vaya! - ¡diablos!
• Portuguese (BR): caramba! - puxa vida! - credo!
• Portuguese (PT): bolas! - raios! - caramba!
• Chinese (Simplified): 天哪！ - 哎呀！
• Chinese (Traditional): 天啊！ - 哎呀！
• Hindi: अरे बाप रे! - हे भगवान!
• Arabic: يا إلهي! - يا للعجب!
• Bengali: আহা রে - হায় রে
• Russian: ё-моё - вот это да
• Japanese: なんてこった - 参ったな
• Vietnamese: trời ơi - trời đất ơi
• Korean: 이런 - 세상에
• Turkish: eyvah - hay aksi
• Urdu: ارے باپ رے - یا اللہ
• Indonesian: aduh - astaga

Example Sentences

Hell's bells, I forgot my keys!

basic

Hell's bells, look at the time!

basic

Hell's bells, that's a lot of snow.

basic

Hell's bells, why didn't you tell me sooner?

natural

The car won't start—hell's bells, what now?

natural

Hell's bells, that scared me half to death!

natural