Sam Hill

noun

, Slang.

1. hell (used especially in WH-questions as a mild oath expressing exasperation and usually preceded by in or the ):

   Who in Sam Hill are you?

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sam Hill¹

1830–40, Americanism; Sam (originally salmon, variant of Sal(o)mon an oath) + hill, euphemism for hell

Example Sentences

One day a neighbor came across Willie hustling like old Sam Hill to reload a wagon of hay which had overturned.

From Project Gutenberg

One afternoon, I heard her giving him a Sam Hill of a blow-up and met him in the hall soon afterward.

From Project Gutenberg

The bear he laughed hearty 'n scratched the ground like Sam Hill, 'n flung the dirt higher'n his head.

From Project Gutenberg

I hope you will get your education as cheap as you can, for it cramps your mother and me like Sam Hill to put up the money.

From Project Gutenberg

I do everything not to disturb herand here you crazy young-ones are raising particular Sam Hill out there in that open lot!

From Project Gutenberg