what the hell
phrase
- expresses surprise, disbelief, or confusion in response to a shocking or absurd situation or statement
Wiktionary
phrase
Etymology: Shortened from earlier what in the hell.
- An intensive form of what.
“What the hell is going on?”
“What the hell is that?!”
- Indicating acceptance, indulgence, or insouciance: Why not? Who cares?
“It’s expensive, but what the hell, you only live once.”
“Surprisingly, dieters ate more ice cream after eating a large milkshake than after eating a small one. Dr. Polivy calls this the “What the hell” effect, which she describes as thinking “What the hell, my diet’s already broken, so I might as well eat everything in sight.””