heck

heck — exclamation

1. A mild word that speakers use as a gentler choice instead of 'hell', either to s

1.感嘆詞B1
釋義

A mild word that speakers use as a gentler choice instead of 'hell', either to show slight frustration or surprise, or to make what they say sound stronger.

例句

Oh, heck! Lien just realized she left her phone in the taxi.

Oh, heck! — exclamation of mild annoyance

How the heck did Baraka manage to fit that huge box into his car?

How the heck + question — intensifying a question

同義詞
  • darn

    equally mild; common in North American English

  • blast

    slightly old-fashioned British English

  • hell

    much stronger; can offend people

文法句型

Oh, heck!

What / How / Where + the heck + question

用法筆記

Much milder than actual profanity — suitable for most casual conversations. Frequently appears in question-word patterns (what / how / where / who + the heck + rest of question) to add emotional force.

常見錯誤

Heck, I am very angry at you!' (too strong context).
Oh, heck, I forgot my keys again.
💡heck is for slight annoyance, not deep anger.

heck — noun