helluva

[hel-uh-vuh]

adjective

Informal.

1. hell of a (used as an intensifier).

   We had a helluva time getting through the heavy traffic.

   She's a helluva good player!

helluva

/ ˈhɛləvə /

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   a helluva difficult job

   he's a helluva guy

2. (intensifier)

   it's helluva tough out here

Word History and Origins

Origin of helluva¹

First recorded in 1915–20; a phonetic spelling representation of hell of a in continuous rapid speech

Example Sentences

It's going to be one helluva journey, no matter the mode of transport, so we need something to tune into and something to be sick of hearing before we've even departed these shores.

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It’s a helluva lotta crypto, and a helluva lotta openings for revenue via the family’s private trusts.

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“He had a helluva campaign for a rookie coach. I thought he handled it extremely well.”

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In a post to X on Monday morning, McCain weighed in on the news of Hunter's pardon, writing, "No one is above the law except the president's nepo baby is a helluva parting message for democrats," which amounted to a pointed finger at the president's son and three pointed right back at herself.

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“You don’t know me,” the coach said, “but you’re going to be a helluva player, man.”

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