Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪvz dˈɪkənz] (IPA) 
The phrase "gives dickens" is an idiomatic expression that means someone is causing trouble or being difficult. The spelling can be a bit confusing, as the "dickens" part is not spelled like it sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be "dɪkɪnz." This means that the "c" is pronounced as a "z" sound, and the stress is on the second syllable. So next time someone is giving you "dickens," you'll know how to spell it.
The idiom "gives dickens" is an expression used to describe a situation or action that causes a great deal of trouble, difficulty, or mischief. It is an informal and colloquial phrase with origins in 19th-century England and was popularized by the English author, Charles Dickens.
When someone "gives dickens," they are provoking or causing havoc in a mischievous or troublesome manner. The phrase is often associated with someone acting in a way that is disruptive, mischievous, or causing a significant disturbance. It can also refer to encountering a situation or task that is extremely challenging, chaotic, or perplexing, requiring an extraordinary amount of effort to overcome.
For example, if a child is tearing through the house, making a mess, and creating chaos, one might say that he or she is "giving dickens." Similarly, if an individual faces a complicated problem that demands thorough investigation, critical thinking, or a lengthy resolution, they might say that the issue "gave them dickens."
Overall, "gives dickens" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the idea of a troublesome or challenging situation that demands attention, effort, and perseverance to overcome. It has become a timeless idiom with its roots in the works of Charles Dickens and continues to be used in contemporary English to describe various scenarios of mischief, chaos, or difficulty.
The phrase "gives dickens" is an idiomatic expression used to suggest giving someone or something a hard time or causing trouble. The exact etymology of this phrase is unclear, as it is considered colloquial and it does not have a well-documented origin. However, there are a few theories on its origin:
1. Charles Dickens: Some believe that the phrase is a reference to the famous 19th-century English author Charles Dickens. Dickens was known for creating vivid characters faced with challenging situations or experiencing turmoil, so "giving dickens" could refer to subjecting someone to a similar kind of difficulty or adversity.
2. Devilish Connotation: Another theory suggests that "dickens" may be an altered form of the word "devil" or "deuce", both of which were used colloquially to refer to trouble or mischief.
