GIVE DICKENS Meaning and
Definition
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"Give dickens" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the early 19th century. It is derived from the name of the famous British author, Charles Dickens, and is often used to convey intensity, vigor, or forcefulness in the context of one's actions or behavior.
When someone says "give dickens," they typically mean to apply considerable effort, energy, or enthusiasm to a particular task or endeavor. It implies a sense of determination, fervor, or even aggressiveness in pursuing a goal or carrying out an action.
The phrase can also be used to describe someone who is acting in a mischievous or spirited manner, adding an element of liveliness or exuberance. In this sense, it often suggests that the person is engaged in activities that are spirited, rambunctious, or high-spirited, possibly causing a bit of commotion or chaos.
Additionally, "give dickens" may be utilized to convey a sense of surprise or astonishment at someone's behavior or actions, indicating that it is unexpected or out of character.
Overall, "give dickens" is an idiomatic phrase that conveys energy, enthusiasm, liveliness, or surprise, depending on the context in which it is used. It captures the spirit of Charles Dickens' renowned works and the vivid characters and lively themes depicted throughout his novels.
Common Misspellings for GIVE DICKENS
- five dickens
- vive dickens
- bive dickens
- hive dickens
- yive dickens
- tive dickens
- guve dickens
- gjve dickens
- gkve dickens
- gove dickens
- g9ve dickens
- g8ve dickens
- gice dickens
- gibe dickens
- gige dickens
- gife dickens
- givw dickens
- givs dickens
- givd dickens
- givr dickens
Etymology of GIVE DICKENS
The phrase "give dickens" is an idiomatic expression that means "to give someone a hard time" or "to cause trouble for someone". However, its specific etymology is unclear.
The word "dickens" is believed to be a euphemistic alteration of the word "devil" in British English. It has been used since the 16th century in various phrases like "what the dickens" or "what the deuce", both of which serve as mild expletives.
As for the phrase "give dickens", it likely developed from the use of "dickens" as a name for the devil, suggesting that someone is causing trouble or behaving mischievously. However, the exact origin and earliest usage of this specific phrase are difficult to determine.
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