Sam Hill

American  

noun

Slang.

1. hell (used especially in WH-questions as a mild oath expressing exasperation and usually preceded by in orthe ).

   Who in Sam Hill are you?

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Etymology

Origin of Sam Hill

1830–40, Sam (originally salmon, variant of Sal(o)mon an oath) + hill, euphemism for hell

Example Sentences

“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

“And then like the director, Sam Hill will come out, ‘It was so good!

From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2023

But the memories have stayed and been recorded by the Museum of London, external-link alongside those of his friend and fellow 1960s ball boy Sam Hill.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2023

Sam Hill, an editor at the technology website Digital Trends, has penned 647 articles about Wordle.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2023

“Just what the Sam Hill are you guys doing out here anyway?”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt