411 REFERENCE · Wiktionary
Sam Hill
Reference material by Wiktionary contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
English
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Alternative forms
en Sam Hell
Etymology
Its exact etymology is uncertain, and various theories link it to actual individuals such as the surveyor of Michigan Samuel W. Hill, known for his foul language, or the Adjutant General of Kentucky Samuel Ewing Hill during the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Probably intended as a substitute for en hell or, more fully, for damned hell.
Pronunciation
en En-au-Sam Hill.ogg AU
Noun
en noun
en slang An intensifier.
en What the Sam Hill do you think you're doing?
en Who the Sam Hill does he think he is?
en Where in Sam Hill is that dog off to?
3 Walter poured syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand. He probably would have poured it into his milk glass had I not asked what the sam hill he was doing.
en Grace Parra Janney Grace Parra Jack Quaid Brad Boimler Something Borrowed, Something Green Star Trek: Lower Decks https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/star-trek-lower-decks/video/jAE7QjJOqSrv1FkB9t_45z0KdwU4cdUr/star-trek-lower-decks-something-borrowed-something-green 4 4 September 21, 2023 9:13 “Oh, what in the Sam Hill are you a-wearing? I thought I was supposed to be Twain.” “I say you are incorrect, sir. I believe we decided I would be Twain.” “Twin Twains? That dog won't hunt.” “Uh, Mr. Clemens?” “Mmhmm. That's me.” “No, I'm Twain. Switch costumes, you ignominious pretender.” “You're more stubborn than a senate mule.” “Grits, grits, grits!” “Tarnation!” “Fancy pants, big-city lawyer.” “I say you are incorrect, sir.”
Synonyms
See Thesaurus:the dickens
Anagrams
en ahillms Hamills millahs
en intensifiers minced oaths