Did you stub your toe on the door? You could say it hurts "like the Dickens" to describe the pain. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "like the Dickens" is an intensifier used to replace other, more offensive language. Its original use was as a replacement for "the devil," as in, "it hurts like the Devil," or he ran "like Hell" to get away.
The phrase suits a variety of circumstances where you want to embellish the experience of something. It's an outdated phrase and more common in England than in America. The term is more commonly used by members of the Baby Boomer generation.
Example Usage
"I hit my knee on the corner of the table, and it hurts like the Dickens. Do you have any ice in the freezer I can use to calm it down, please?"
"Did you see that video of the guy smacking the cop on the back of the head and running away like the Dickens? I don't think they managed to catch him."
"The boss is a real slave driver. Lately, we've worked like the Dickens, and they haven't offered us a raise or a bonus. They just expect us to do as we're told."
"You can't trust a word that guy says. He lies like the Dickens and always talks nonsense about everyone else. Pay him no mind."
"We have an option, we can stay here and wait for the worst to happen, or we can go to the front lines and fight like the Dickens for our freedom. Who's with me?"
"This weather is crazy. It rained like the Dickens for three days straight. I thought the whole neighborhood was going to flood. Thank goodness the drainage system wasn't blocked."
"My partner scared me with her Halloween dress. I jumped like the Dickens at the sight of her. She thought it was funny, and I peed in my pants a bit."
"We all thought she was the Dickens in that play. Her performance was outstanding, and she's destined for great things on stage."
"That comedian was as funny as the Dickens. He had me laughing so hard I thought my sides would split."
"This hurts like the Dickens. I don't know what to do. I think I might need to go to the emergency room to get it checked out."
"This guy sings like the Dickens. He's got a golden voice for sure."
Origin
The expression "like the Dickens" is frequently misattributed to the legendary English author Charles Dickens. However, no evidence or citations link the source of the phrase to Dickens. The "Dickens" is a British euphemism referring to the Devil.
The first use of "Dickens" to describe the Devil appears in William Shakespeare's work, "The Merry Wives of Windsor," published in 1600, where it reads as follows.
"I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of."
Phrases Similar to Like the Dickens
- Like hell.
Phrases Opposite to Like the Dickens
- N/A.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Like the Dickens.
Ways People May Say Like the Dickens Incorrectly
The phrase "like the Dickens" has nothing to do with the poet and author Charles Dickens. Using it to describe Charles Dickens or his work is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Like the Dickens
You can use the expression "like the Dickens" as an intensifier to something. For instance, if you stub your toe on the door, you could say it "hurts like the Dickens." It's a way to avoid using foul language when other people around you might take offense to cuss words.
The phrase is versatile, and it can refer to many other tasks. For instance, you could say that the burglar ran like the Dickens to escape the cops instead of saying they "ran like hell." The phrase has social and professional use and works in text-based conversations and verbal communications.