student asking question

When can I use "what the"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"What the" is shortened from the expressions "what the heck" or "what the hell". "What the" is a nicer way to use these expressions because you don't actually say a cuss word, but it still implies that you are about to say it. This word is used in any context where "what the heck" or "what the hell" is used; when you are expressing surprise, confusion, anger, shock, etc. It is more common for children to use this expression because they are making the same point without actually using a cuss word. Ex: What the? Where'd this dog come from? Ex: What the? It's raining!

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