informal 1K

What the hell was that

🇬🇧 UK //wɒt ðə hɛl wəz ðæt// 🇺🇸 US //wɑt ðə hɛl wəz ðæt//

Meaning of What the hell was that

An exclamation used to express surprise or confusion about something unexpected.

In simple words: A strong expression of surprise or confusion.

What the hell was that in a sentence

• When I heard the loud crash, I shouted, 'What the hell was that?!'
• After watching the bizarre movie, I turned to my friend and said, 'What the hell was that?'
• As the lights flickered, I wondered, 'What the hell was that sound?'
• When the animal jumped out of the bushes, I exclaimed, 'What the hell was that?!'

How to use What the hell was that

Use this phrase to express shock or disbelief. It's informal and may be considered rude or inappropriate in formal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone exclamation

Memory hint

Imagine someone reacting to a strange noise with confusion, saying, 'What the hell was that?!'

Related words

Collocations with What the hell was that

• shout what the hell
• ask what the hell
• respond with what the hell

Synonyms for What the hell was that

• What on earth was that
• What the heck was that
• What was that
• What in the world was that
• Seriously?

Common mistakes with What the hell was that

• Used in formal situations where a more polite phrase is needed.
• Confused with 'What the heck?' which is milder.
• Misused as a question rather than an expression of emotion.

Frequently asked questions about What the hell was that

What does What the hell was that mean?

A strong expression of surprise or confusion.

What is the definition of What the hell was that?

An exclamation used to express surprise or confusion about something unexpected.

How do you use What the hell was that in a sentence?

When I heard the loud crash, I shouted, 'What the hell was that?!'

Can you give another example of What the hell was that?

After watching the bizarre movie, I turned to my friend and said, 'What the hell was that?'

What are synonyms for What the hell was that?

Common alternatives include What on earth was that, What the heck was that, What was that, What in the world was that, Seriously?.

What words go with What the hell was that?

It commonly pairs with shout what the hell, ask what the hell, respond with what the hell.

What are common mistakes when using What the hell was that?

Used in formal situations where a more polite phrase is needed. Confused with 'What the heck?' which is milder. Misused as a question rather than an expression of emotion.

How do you pronounce What the hell was that?

US: //wɑt ðə hɛl wəz ðæt//, UK: //wɒt ðə hɛl wəz ðæt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is What the hell was that formal or informal?

"What the hell was that" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use What the hell was that?

Use this phrase to express shock or disbelief. It's informal and may be considered rude or inappropriate in formal settings.