dick·ens \ˈdikə̇nz\noun (-es) Etymology: probably from the name Dickens, euphemism for devil 1. a.: devil, deuce — used as a more or less meaningless intensive; often used interjectionally; usually used with the < I cannot tell what the dickens his name is — Shakespeare > < very mad and swearing like the dickens > b.: worst disadvantage or difficulty : most serious part < the dickens of it was that we had no money > 2.: child; especially: an exceptionally active and mischievous child