1.
People sometimes say ‘~!’ when they are slightly irritated or surprised. (INFORMAL)
Heck, if you don’t like it, don’t vote for him...
EXCLAM feelings
2.
People use a ~ of to emphasize how big something is or how much of it there is. (INFORMAL)
They’re spending a ~ of a lot of money...
The truth is, I’m in one ~ of a mess.
PHRASE: PHR n emphasis
3.
You use the ~ in expressions such as ‘what the ~’ and ‘how the ~’ in order to emphasize a question, especially when you are puzzled or annoyed. (INFORMAL)
What the ~’s that?...
The question was, where the ~ was he?
PHRASE: quest PHR emphasis
4.
You say ‘what the ~’ to indicate that you do not care about a bad aspect of an action or situation. (INFORMAL)
What the ~, I thought, I’ll give it a whirl.
PHRASE: PHR with cl feelings