deuce
15
9.9
- noun
- /djuːs/
- Archaic
:
qué demonios
- What the deuce were you thinking of?
Examples
-
- How the deuce did you discover that artery?
-
Say, what the deuce did you horn in on this party for?
-
What the deuce do you want to call her for?
-
What the deuce could have happened?
-
"What the deuce is she doing up there?"
Fiction book (1994) -
"What the deuce?" he asked.
Fiction book (2001) -
"What the deuce are you talking about, Leah?"
Fiction book (1990) -
What the deuce?!
-
But what the deuce?
Blog text (10) -
What the deuce are you doing?
Synonyms
90
8.9
A short cry to show surprise, confusion, disbelief, or casual acceptance
30
5.3
A short shout used to show surprise, anger, or confusion
1
9.0
A short word people say to show mild anger, surprise, or frustration
1
9.9
A word people say before an adjective to show strong annoyance or emphasis
A word people say in exclamations to show surprise, confusion, or annoyance
Said when you are a little angry, annoyed, or surprised
A short word said to show surprise or mild anger
Idioms
How Strong
Surface Forms
Etymology
Deuce as an exclamation comes from a mild old name for the 'devil', so saying 'Deuce!' or 'Deuce take it' was a way to show surprise or anger without using stronger language.