what the hell!

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase what the hell!

Meaning

You can say this if you're doing something you wouldn't normally allow yourself to do.

For example

  • "Do you want some more Christmas pudding?"
    "I shouldn't, but what the hell! Christmas comes but once a year."

  • "You want a drink, Miles?"
    "What the hell! Give me whiskey. It's been a tough day."

Note:
WARNING! This is very informal, and some people might find it offensive.

Quick Quiz

He said, "I can't really afford it, but what the hell!" He probably

a. bought it

b. didn't buy it

c. tried to steal it
a) bought it b) didn't buy it c) tried to steal it

Contributor: Matt Errey