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
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
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
“What the Sam Hill were you doing?” he yelled at Mom.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
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.
