Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    Was Sam Hill a random pick of a name for "what the Sam Hill," or was there really a Sam Hill in mind when it was coined?

    Question #111472. Asked by 29CoveRoad. (Dec 14 09 9:43 PM)


    star_gazer

    		Sam Hill is an American English slang phrase, a euphemism or minced oath for "the devil" or "hell" personified (as in, "What in the Sam Hill is that?"). Etymologist Michael Quinion and others date the expression back to the late 1830s; they and others consider the expression to have been a simple bowdlerization, with, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, an unknown origin.

    http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/sam_hill/

    Dec 14 09, 9:58 PM
    Zbeckabee

    		Additionally:

    H. L. Mencken suggested that the "Sam" in the phrase derives from Samiel, the name of the Devil in Der Freischütz, an opera by Carl Maria von Weber that was performed in New York in 1825.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Hill_(euphemism)

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_American_Language

    Dec 14 09, 10:23 PM
    Datsmeharse

    		#5076 also adresses this:

    http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question5076.html

    Dec 15 09, 5:07 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    Which English village has a name that etymologically means "hill hill hill"? How do you pronounce it?

    There is an hill range in Orissa which is a haven for botanists and home of some of the rarest herbs in the world, and from this hill in Hindu Mythology Hanuman obtained the Sanjeevani herb to save the life of Lord Lakshmana. What is this hill called and does it exist today?

    This landmark, in a county of the UK that reflects its original inhabitants, has a name that means "hill hill hill hill", but is always pronounced differently. One of the towns in this county is named after a cake that isn't a cake or even from the town. What is the county, the name of the landmark, and the name of the cake-free town?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 The Pick
    In "The Pick", Jerry ends up scratching his nose and it's mistaken for 'a pick', and Elaine gets her Christmas cards made. Good luck!
    		'Seinfeld' - Season 4 Average
    10 Q
    kyleisalive
    Aug 03 05
    1494 plays
    2 Really!
    I hope you'll say 'Really?' afterwards.
    		Mixed 10 Q. Difficult [B] Difficult
    10 Q
    awkins
    Apr 17 00
    1440 plays
    3 Random
    This is a pretty girly type quiz, now that I look at it, but guys are welcome, too!
    		Mixed 10 Q.. Impossible Impossible
    10 Q
    sprout
    Mar 06 00
    2142 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.