Video Discussion And Vocabulary: "What The Hell" And Other Expressions

In everyday English, we often use the word, "hell", to express surprise, anger, and frustration. The expression we typically use to intensify, or maximize, our surprise or anger is: "What the hell . . . ?"

For example, if something happens that surprises you, shocks you, or makes you angry, you can say:

• "What the hell is happening?"
• "What the hell is going on?" 

In simple language, "What the hell?" is enough. In the past, you would say, "What the hell happened?"

Here are some common expressions we use with "hell":

• A cold day in hell: An event that will never happen. For example, "It will be a cold day in hell before you get a raise (an increase in salary)."
• All hell broke loose: A great disaster or chaos happened. For example, "All hell broke loose after the bomb exploded in the street."
• For the hell of it: To do something for no particular reason, just because it is fun or amusing. For example, "The weather is nice today. Let's go running for the hell of it."
• Go through hell: To have a miserable (horrible) experience. For example, "I went through hell during my holiday because my kids were terrible!"
• Raise hell: To cause big problems or trouble. For example, "I am going to raise hell if I do not get my raise this year!"
• When hell freezes over: Never; not in your life; not a chance.

The following video explains how we use "hell" in different expressions:

Source - engVid

PRACTICE AND THINK IN ENGLISH

What are the expressions you use in your language to express surprise and anger?

Tell me by leaving a comment below or in a message by E-mail at kaufman.terry@gmail.com, if you like.

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