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Thread: dickens

  1. 19-Dec-2003, 00:43 #1
    Anonymous Guest

    Default dickens

    Could any one advise me to the historical reference , if any and a clear defination to the use of dickens in the statement.
    She was famous for 'giving him the dickens'.
  2. 19-Dec-2003, 00:52 #2
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    RonBee
    RonBee is offline Moderator
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    The word dickens is synonymous with devil. If you are giving somebody the dickens you are giving him a hard time. In other words, you are giving him a devil of a time.

    :)
  3. 19-Dec-2003, 00:55 #3
    Tdol
    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    We also say a 'dickens of a job' for something difficult or troublesome.
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