what the hell
Idioms-
It's not important, who cares, as in It cost a lot more, but what the hell, we can afford it . [Second half of 1800s] Also see what of it .
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An intensive of what , as in What the hell do you think you're doing? [First half of 1800s] Also see under on earth .
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.
At an event last month, Trump said “I don’t know what the hell we’re going to do” in regards to the potential offering.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
If we claim that the church has become more progressive, well, what the hell do we mean, and on what time scale?
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
“It’s extremely profitable for people who know what the hell they’re doing,” Lasorsa said.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025
“Twenty-five years ago, Jay realized there were increasing concerns on Teton Pass, so he said, what the hell, I’m going to go up there and help,” said Kofinas.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025
And if you’re not original then what the hell are you alive for, man?
From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña
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.
