who, what, where, etc. 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

who, what, where, etc. the ˈdevil...

(old-fashioned, informal) used in questions for showing that you are annoyed or surprised: Who the devil are you?Where the devil have I put my glasses?