What in the devil?

(in) the devil

Used as an intensifier after a question word (who, what, where, when, why, and how) to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. And just how the devil am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow? Where in the devil did you find that rusty old car? Who the devil is making all that noise?See also: devil

What (in) the devil?

interrog. What has happened?; What? (Often with the force of an exclamation.) What the devil? Who are you? What are you doing in my room? See also: what