Sam Hill
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of Sam Hill
1830–40, Sam (originally salmon, variant of Sal(o)mon an oath) + hill, euphemism for hell
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I can’t believe I’m getting my first VMA tonight. I just have one question: What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?” she said, adding “I’m kidding, I love you MTV, this is amazing.”
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025
But what in the Sam Hill is it?
From Slate • Feb. 14, 2024
Authorities said just before 8 a.m., a strong odor of gas was reported in the 13000 block of Sam Hill Lane in the Mount Airy neighborhood.
From Washington Post • Dec. 15, 2019
Wilson said his office is also going to review other properties that received the tax cut based on historic renovations, but only the Sam Hill Mansion has thus far received an updated tax bill.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2016
Herman E. Calloway said, “What in Sam Hill is going on here? First off, don’t you be coming in here accusing folks of being your father, and second off, where is your mother?”
From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
