Phrases, sayings and idioms at
The Phrase Finder
Like the Dickens
Phrases, Sayings and Idioms Home > Phrase Dictionary - Meanings and Origins > Like the Dickens


Browse phrases beginning with:

[A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][K][L][M][N][O][P][Q][R][S][T][U,V][W][X,Y,Z]


Like the Dickens

Meaning

A lot; as in 'hurts like the dickens'.

Origin

This phrase has nothing to do with Charles Dickens. Dickens is a euphemism, specifically a minced-oath, for the word devil, possibly via devilkins. Shakespeare used it in 'the Merry Wives of Windsor, 1600:

I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of.

See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare.