The phrase "what the dickens" was coined by William Shakespeare and originated in The Merry Wives Of Windsor Act 3, scene 2, 18--23, it was an oath to the devil said by Mrs Page.
Dickens is a minced oath. It means devil.
Dickens was a euphamism for the Devil. So "it hurts like the dickens" is another way of saying "it hurts like the Devil". It's a very old phrase that dates back to Shakespeare's day. Shakespeare used the line " I cannot tell what the dickens his name is" in the Merry Wives of Windsor.
Nothing to do with Charles Dickens. Dickens is a euphemism for the word devil, possibly via devilkins. Shakespeare used it.
Picking flowers, do you love them or not, it NOT a phrase!
come to me. lets emabrase
Dickens is a minced oath. It means devil.
Merry Wives of Windsor. It's the same play that gave us "the world's my oyster".
Mr. jaggers
Dickens was a euphamism for the Devil. So "it hurts like the dickens" is another way of saying "it hurts like the Devil". It's a very old phrase that dates back to Shakespeare's day. Shakespeare used the line " I cannot tell what the dickens his name is" in the Merry Wives of Windsor.
The phrase "run like the dickens" is an old colloquial expression that likely originated in 19th century England. It is thought to be a euphemism for "run like the devil," emphasizing the speed or urgency of running.
The phrase "what the dickens" is often attributed to William Shakespeare, who used the term "Dickens" as a euphemism for the devil in his play "The Merry Wives of Windsor." However, it became popularized in the 18th century and was notably used by Charles Dickens in his works, leading some to mistakenly think he originated it. The exact origin is somewhat unclear, but it reflects the playful language of the time. Overall, the phrase expresses surprise or disbelief.
The Merry Wives of Windsor: "FORD: Where had you this pretty weathercock? MRS PAGE: I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of".This quotation is from Act 3 Scene 2 of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Nothing to do with Charles Dickens. Dickens is a euphemism for the word devil, possibly via devilkins. Shakespeare used it.
Charles Dickens used the phrase "dead as a doornail" in his writing to emphasize that something is completely lifeless or devoid of any vitality. The phrase may have been popular in his time and was likely chosen for its vivid and impactful imagery in his storytelling.
waht charcter says "i cannot tell what the dickens his name is "
There doesn't appear to be any record of the exact phrase "moderate your transports" in Charles Dickens' works. However, the concept of moderation and self-control is a common theme in his writing, so it may be reflective of his ideas on emotional restraint.
The phrase "the law is an ass" was said by Mr. Bumble in Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist." It criticizes the legal system for its injustices and lack of mercy toward the poor and disadvantaged.