Dickens

/ˈdɪkənz/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Used to refer to the devil or a mischief-maker.

He acts like a real dickens sometimes, always getting into trouble.

interjection

Used to express surprise, astonishment, or emphasis.

What the dickens is going on here?

An exclamation used to convey vexation or annoyance.

I can't find my keys, what the dickens happened to them?

A euphemistic expression used to soften harshness.

He was off to the dickens when he heard the bad news.

Origin uncertain, possibly a euphemism for 'devil'.

What the dickens

An expression of surprise or disbelief.

Dickensian

Pertaining to the life and times of Charles Dickens, often referring to conditions of poverty.

To raise the dickens

To create a disturbance or trouble.

devil

A supernatural being typically associated with evil.

mischief

Behavior that causes trouble or annoyance.

Used to emphasize surprise or disbelief.

I can't believe you did that, what the dickens!

A light-hearted term for trouble or chaos.

You have stirred up a real dickens with that prank!