Pronunciation: [pˈʊ͡ə dˈɛvə͡l] (IPA) 
The phrase "poor devil" is spelled exactly as it sounds. The "p" in "poor" is voiced, while the "d" at the end of "devil" is unvoiced. The stress is on the first syllable in both words. In IPA phonetic transcription, "poor" is represented as /pʊər/ and "devil" as /ˈdɛvəl/. This phrase is often used to express sympathy for someone who is going through a difficult time.
The phrase "poor devil" is an idiomatic expression generally used to evoke sympathy or pity towards someone who is perceived as unfortunate, pitiable, or deserving of commiseration. It is often employed to describe an individual who is experiencing hardships, difficulties, or misfortune beyond their control.
The term "poor devil" typically carries a connotation of sympathy towards the person being referred to. It can denote a sense of empathetic understanding for their predicament or circumstances. The use of the word "devil" in this context adds a touch of colloquialism, humor, or informality to the expression while not actually suggesting a literal association with evil.
"Poor devil" frequently serves as an expression of compassion towards another person, highlighting their struggles, miseries, or dilemmas that elicit pity from the speaker or other observers. It is often utilized when discussing individuals facing challenging situations that are out of their control or when describing someone who has experienced an unfortunate event or has suffered ongoing hardships.
Overall, the phrase "poor devil" is a vernacular expression that individuals use to show empathy and understanding for someone they see as deserving sympathy, compassion, or commiseration due to their unfavorable circumstances or plight.
The phrase "poor devil" is a colloquial expression that has its origins in English. The etymology of this phrase can be understood by examining the words individually:
1. "Poor": The word "poor" originated from the Old French word "povre" which means "destitute, wretched, humble". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "pauper", meaning "poor". Over time, the sense of lacking material wealth extended to encompass a broader sense of overall misfortune and suffering.
2. "Devil": In Christian theology, the term "devil" refers to a supernatural being associated with evil, temptation, and punishment. It derives from the Late Latin word "diabolus", which in turn came from the Greek word "diabolos" meaning "slanderer" or "accuser". The concept of the devil has been present in various forms across different cultures and religions.
