Quote:
Originally Posted by Devil's tear 
I have a lot of questions about English slang. But my question is: What the hell!!
What does this phrase mean?
|
As pointed out, this is a rude phrase and is in fact mild swearing.
It is not an idiom as such. "the hell" is used as an intensifier. It is used to strengthen the meaning of the sentence in which it is used, usually to add shock and surprise. It is usually used in a question but not always.
For example:
What is this?
What the hell is this!?
Note that when you chose to use this phrase the stress is placed on on the words "the hell"
"Heck"could be substituted is an acceptable form of "hell".
"Heck" does not mean "hell" as such. It does not really mean anything. It is sort of a swear word for people who don't swear. It performs the same function as "hell" in a sentence but it more polite. It is like when a person says "phooey"...they are really saying the "f" word.
What is this? (normal)
What the heck is this!? (Shock and surprise in a strong but acceptable way)
What the hell is this!? (Shock and surprise in a strong crude way)
It has many meanings depending on the context it is said in.
Surprise: (as he opens a box revealing a strange object) What the hell is this?!!
What the heck is this?!!
Negative questioning: (You have walked into a room and see someone doing something bad)
What the hell do you think you are doing?
What the heck do you think you are doing?
Resignation: (you have been arguing but now you give up...you don't care anymore) This is an example of its use without being in a question.
What the hell, let's go to the movies if you want to.
What the heck, let's go to the movies if you want to.
Note that there is no stress on "the heck/the hell" in the above case.
There are other meanings but this gives you an idea of how it is used.