General
what in the sam hill
What does what in the sam hill mean?
An exclamation of bafflement or annoyance that avoids saying "hell" or "the devil."
"What in the Sam Hill were you thinking?"
Origin
American minced oath, dated to the late 1830s; "Sam Hill" is a euphemism for "hell" or the devil.
Frequently asked questions
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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