interjection
what the heck
wot thuh HEK
What the heck (interjection) means an exclamation of surprise, confusion or annoyance at something unexpected. Example: “What the heck was that noise?”
interjection
1
informal An exclamation of surprise, confusion or annoyance at something unexpected.
"What the heck was that noise?"
"What the heck is going on in here?"
phrase
1
informal Used to say that you have decided to do something despite doubts, because the risk or cost no longer seems to matter.
"Ah, what the heck — order the lobster."
"She was tired, but what the heck, she went anyway."
How to use what the heck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite way of saying 'what the hell'.
When to use it
Informal, mild, chiefly American but widely understood.
Memory tip
Heck also intensifies on its own: 'a heck of a lot' simply means a great deal.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
what the hell
what the deuce
heck of a
Common pairings
what the heck is
what the heck happened
ah, what the heck
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ was that noise?
Etymology
From heck, a euphemistic alteration of hell used to avoid swearing.
Synonyms
View more →
what on earth
what the hell
what in the world
why not
oh well
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'what the heck' and 'what the hell'?
They mean exactly the same thing. Heck is a softened stand-in for hell, so the phrase is milder and acceptable around children, at work or on broadcast television. Choose it when you want the force of the expression without the profanity.
Is 'what the heck' rude?
It is very mild. Most people treat it as harmless slang, though it is still informal enough to avoid in formal writing. Some strict households or religious settings dislike it, since the substitution is transparent.
Does 'what the heck' need a question mark?
Only when it genuinely asks something: 'What the heck happened?' When it means 'oh well, why not', it takes a comma or a dash instead: 'What the heck, let's go.'
What is the meaning of what the heck?
"what the heck" (interjection) means an exclamation of surprise, confusion or annoyance at something unexpected.
