helluva

American  

[hel-uh-vuh] / ˈhɛl ə və /

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 British  

/ ˈhɛləvə /

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   a helluva difficult job

   he's a helluva guy

2. (intensifier)

   it's helluva tough out here

---

Etymology

Origin of helluva

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

Example Sentences

“I was born to coach. I’m a helluva coach. Nobody gave me that and nobody can take it away.”

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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

From Slate

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Salon