helluva

[ hel-uh-vuh ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. hell of a (used as an intensifier):

   We had a helluva time getting through the heavy traffic.

   She's a helluva good player!

helluva

/ ˈhɛləvə /

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   he's a helluva guy

   a helluva difficult job

2. (intensifier)

   it's helluva tough out here

Word History and Origins

Origin of helluva¹

First recorded in 1915–20; a phonetic spelling representation of hell of a in continuous rapid speech

Example Sentences

“You don’t know me,” the coach said, “but you’re going to be a helluva player, man.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’d had a helluva lotta fun across Henderson that day, even though I’d never been there before, much less attended a UFC viewing party in the heart of it all.

From Slate

But the fact that the Warner Bros. sequel is actually a romance-driven jukebox movie-musical — complete with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn — is a helluva choice, one that I have to see to believe.

From Los Angeles Times

Brandon Gill, the football coach of nearby Buford High School, wrote on social media that Aspinwall was a "helluva human being" who "would do anything for anyone."

From BBC

It all builds up to a helluva surprise—fun fact: Not all U.S. presidents are elected.

From Slate