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dickens

Dickens is defined as a word used to show confusion, shock or irritation, or is the last name of the famous author Charles Dickens.

(noun)

An example of dickens is a question of surprise such as "why in the dickens did that happen?"
An example of Dickens is the man who wrote "A Christmas Carol," Charles Dickens.

See dickens in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Brit., Slang devil; deuce: used, with the, only in interjectional phrases, as a mild oath or exclamation of annoyance, surprise, or frustration: what the dickens is that about?

Origin: prob. < Dickon, nickname for Richard

Dickens, Charles (John Huffam) (pseud. Boz) 1812-70; Eng. novelist

Related Forms:

Dickensian adjective

See dickens in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Informal

A severe reprimand or expression of anger: gave me the dickens for being late.
Used as an intensive: What in the dickens is that?

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of devil (influenced by the name Dickens)

British writer known for his tales of Victorian life and times. His works, which first appeared in serialized form, include The Pickwick Papers (1836-1837), Oliver Twist (1837-1838), and David Copperfield (1849-1850).

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