DICKENS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "dickens" has various meanings and can be used as a noun or an interjection. As a noun, "dickens" generally refers to the devil or a demon, especially when used in phrases such as "what the dickens?" This usage can convey surprise or emphasize an extreme situation or feeling. Additionally, the term is sometimes used to describe a troublesome or mischievous person or thing.
"Dickens" can also be capitalized, referring to Charles Dickens, the celebrated English writer of the Victorian era, famous for his novels such as "Oliver Twist" and "Great Expectations." In this sense, the term is often used to describe something reminiscent of Dickens' writing style or social commentary.
Furthermore, "dickens" can be an euphemistic substitute for the word "devil" and is often employed in various idioms or colloquial expressions. For instance, “the dickens of a time” means a difficult or challenging situation, while to "raise the dickens" signifies causing a disturbance or uproar.
In summary, the word "dickens" encompasses a range of meanings. It can refer to a demon or the devil, an interjection expressing surprise or emphasis, a troublesome person or thing, and the Victorian writer Charles Dickens. Whether used literally or metaphorically, this versatile term lends itself to a variety of contexts and expressions in English language usage.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DICKENS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DICKENS
Etymology of DICKENS
The word "dickens" originated in the 16th century as a minced oath, a euphemistic replacement for the word "devil". It was commonly used to avoid swearing by substituting a harmless word that sounded similar. The exact origin and the reason for choosing "dickens" are uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the name of the English writer and playwright William Shakespeare. The theory suggests that "dickens" is a contraction of "devilkins", with the "-kins" suffix indicating a diminutive or endearing form. Over time, the word evolved in usage and detached itself from its original association with the devil, often being used as an intensifier or to express surprise or emphasis. This evolution eventually led to its use as a proper noun referring to Charles Dickens, the renowned 19th-century English writer, due to his works becoming popularly associated with the word.
Idioms with the word DICKENS
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raise the dickens (with sm or sth)
The idiom "raise the dickens (with someone or something)" means to cause a significant amount of trouble, chaos, or commotion. It implies that someone is creating a disturbance or creating a fuss that disrupts the normal functioning of a situation or environment.
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raise the dickens
The idiom "raise the dickens" means to cause trouble, commotion, or chaos. It implies stirring up a disturbance or causing a wild uproar in a situation or place.
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raise the dickens (with someone or something)
The idiom "raise the dickens with someone or something" means to cause a disturbance, create a commotion, or engage in unruly behavior with someone or something. It implies causing trouble or making a scene.
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the dickens
The idiom "the dickens" is used to express surprise, emphasis, or annoyance. It is often used to intensify the meaning of a sentence and is derived from the name "Dickens," which is believed to be a euphemism for the Devil or Satan.
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(as) hot as the dickens
The idiom "(as) hot as the dickens" is used to describe something or someone that is extremely hot. It implies a high level of heat that can be uncomfortable or intense. The term "dickens" here is simply a euphemism used to emphasize the intensity of the heat.
Similar spelling words for DICKENS
- Diakonos,
- dockens,
- tycoon's,
- tokenize,
- toucans,
- dikes,
- deacons,
- tackiness,
- dugans,
- technacy,
- tokens,
- DCNS,
- diakinesis,
- duckness,
- dickinson,
- diaconis,
- tachyons,
- taguans,
- Dickens's,
- deacon's-bench,
- Diagonous,
- deaconess,
- DDCONUS,
- dougans,
- dawkins,
- dickens',
- tigons,
- tucanos,
- technies,
- chickens,
- DCNOS,
- dickins,
- DECANUS,
- Dismuke,
- twigginess,
- fore-tokens,
- be-tokens,
- deakins,
- DCNNS,
- diegans,
- taknes,
- deggans,
- TCANZ,
- technos,
- dwiggins,
- DICNZ,
- duggins,
- DECNIS,
- TACANS,
- takins,
- diaconus,
- diggins,
- Digonous,
- decanes,
- DGNSU,
- deacon's,
- thickens,
- tickens,
- doggones,
- tycoons,
- DICONSA,
- TECHNISA,
- tecnos,
- disengage,
- digenesis,
- decans,
- arch-deacons,
- diogenes,
- dakinis,
- dissension,
- Diggens,
- dickenson,
- daikons,
- darkens,
- Dockins,
- dickensian,
- Dicken's.
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