devil
A troublesome person, critter, or contraption.
Updated September 21, 2026
devil pronunciation
/DEV-ul/
Meaning
In porch talk, devil names something that won't behave: a wild kid, a stubborn mule, a truck that only starts when it wants to. Folks also use it as a verb, to devil somebody, meaning tease or aggravate them. Tone runs from fond "little devil" to flat-out fed up.
How folks use it
- “That little devil hid my keys again.”
- “Quit devilin' your sister before she hollers for Mama.”
Origin and etymology
English long used devil for the evil one and, loosely, for anything wicked or vexing. Southern and Midland speech kept a strong everyday sense for a pest and for devil as a verb meaning torment or tease. DARE marks that verb use as chiefly South and Midland.
Frequently asked questions
Always mean about religion?
No. Plenty of times it's just fussing about a kid or a machine. Church talk is a different register.