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What the hell...

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Dec 02nd 2011 03:56
I'm a 33-year-old man. I have a wife and a daughter.
So here's my question. Is it appropriate to say "What the hell" in a conversation with friends?
Susan
Dec 02nd 2011 04:14
Only those friends you are very comfortable with. It's not what I consider to be swearing, but some people are offended by it. In formal situations, like at work, it would probably suprise people. You could also say, "What in the world?" or "What is that?".
Dec 02nd 2011 04:44 Kosuke
"What is that?", this is the easiest way. I decided to say that from now. Thank you.
Dec 02nd 2011 05:11
"What the hell" is a perfectly normal thing to say among friends, however it doesn't mean the same thing as "what is that". For that purpose, you'd have to say "what the hell is that?".

"What the hell" is used to express puzzlement or surprise at a SITUATION. It's not the same as asking what something is.
Dec 02nd 2011 06:00 Miguel
Saying "What in the world?" is better to say that "What is that?"
Dec 02nd 2011 06:22 Creature
Sometimes I say "What was *that*?" as a short version of "What was *that* about?" I think the tense and stressing "that" is important.
Dec 02nd 2011 06:23 Kosuke
What the hell!!!!!!
Dec 02nd 2011 06:29 Creature
LOL. Stick with that one.
Dec 02nd 2011 07:37 crizzo
You could say 'what on earth?' for a similar meaning, but not considered rude.

'What the hell?' and the above mean something like 'えっ！？’ or maybe ’なんでやねん？！’ when you are shocked/surprised/disappointed/annoyed/confused.

But 'What the hell...' can also indicate that you have decided to do something with resignation/mixed feelings, or you don't care - e.g. if it is risky, or you don't want to do it, or you thought it was a bad idea before. Maybe like '知るか!’...? (I'm not sure)

E.g. 'I don't know if this will work, but what the hell...[I'll do it anyway]'

'Hell' may be considered rude by some religious people. But as other people say, it's not generally considered very rude, but definitely not polite either. Some people also say 'What the hey' - although some people (especially younger) might think 'hey' or 'heck' sounds a bit silly. By the way, you can also say '*What* the...?' ('what' usually at a higher pitch, and stressed) - you can leave the 'hell' out, and people will guess what you mean.

Hope this helps!
Creature
Dec 02nd 2011 04:15
Yes. "Hell" isn't really a cuss word anymore. It's not considered the most polite thing to say, but most people won't care. If you're at a formal event or working with English speaking customers- and you don't know how they're going to react replace "hell" with "heck." You're also an adult, so as long as you're around friends, in an informal setting, and not around children it's okay to cuss as long as you're not insulting anyone there, or anyone's friend/spouse/relative. This is more so for expressions that use the really bad one's like "shit" or "fuck." If you're not sure at a given time whether or not it's appropriate, wait for one of your friends to do it first.
Dec 02nd 2011 04:43 Kosuke
なるほど、状況によるということですね。そういうことであれば上の人が言ってるような表現をしようと思います。ありがとうございます。
Dec 02nd 2011 09:03 にんき
I have to agree with Creature san. I seldom use the expression "What the hell" and if I do, it's either because the situation is "信じられない" or it's incredibly funny. And of course, it's best to use it with people you are very familiar with. Also, if you're in a professional setting, I think it's best not to use that.

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