phrase
General Slang
what in the Sam Hill
WOT in the SAM HIL · phrase · informal
What the devil; what on earth.
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Definitions
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An exclamation of bafflement or annoyance that avoids saying "hell" or "the devil."
“What in the Sam Hill were you thinking?”
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what in the Sam Hill In A Sentence
What in the Sam Hill were you thinking?
Origin & Usage
American minced oath, dated to the late 1830s; "Sam Hill" is a euphemism for "hell" or the devil.
People Also Ask
What does "what in the Sam Hill" mean?
It means "what the devil" or "what on earth," an exclamation of bafflement or annoyance.
Who is Sam Hill?
"Sam Hill" isn't a real person here; it's a euphemism for "hell" or the devil, letting speakers avoid stronger language.
Where does the phrase come from?
It's an American minced oath dating to the late 1830s.
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