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