noun
dickens
DIK-inz/ˈdɪkɪnz/
A mild substitute for “devil” in expressions of surprise or annoyance.
What the dickens is that puppy doing with the knitting?
Etymology
Dickens apparently served as a substitute for “devil,” allowing a milder exclamation. It was probably altered from Dickon, a nickname for Richard, but the exact connection and its meaning are unknown.
More examples
- Where the dickens did I leave my keys?
- He worked like the dickens to finish.
- Who the dickens moved the chair?
Forms
dickens
Similar words
- heck
- Another mild substitute in expressions of annoyance.
- devil
- The stronger original word replaced in these expressions.