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.
“She is trying to enjoy it and take her mind off it. But I think there’s frustration not knowing what the hell is going on in the world.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
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
“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
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took his anger to the Senate floor, demanding "immediate answers" for "what the hell went on."
From Salon • Jun. 12, 2025
He jogged up to us, and I kept thinking, All I had to do was turn and walk away, what the hell is wrong with me?
From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds
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.
