dickens

dick-ens · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal, dated) A euphemism for "devil," used in exclamations.

  2. 2.

    (proper noun) Referring to Charles Dickens, the famous English novelist.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    what the dickens — an exclamation of surprise or frustration
  • •
    like the dickens — very hard or intensely

Related words

See also: devil

Etymology

Likely an alteration of devilkin (little devil), used as a euphemism to avoid saying "devil." Not originally related to the surname Dickens.