How Do You Spell RAISED THE DICKENS?

1. The phrase "raised the dickens" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone has caused a disturbance or created a commotion. It signifies engaging in mischief or misbehavior, often characterized by noisy, disruptive behavior or creating chaos. This phrase is usually employed when an individual or a group acts in a manner that is out of control, boisterous, and unruly, drawing attention to themselves and causing uproar in their surroundings.

   The origin of this phrase dates back to the mid-19th century. "Dickens" is a euphemism for the devil or devilry, reflecting the notion that the person in question is raising a figurative hell or engaging in devilish behavior. The use of "raise" implies an upward movement or an amplification of the disturbance.

   To "raise the dickens" generally implies a level of mischievousness that goes beyond mere childish playfulness or mischief. It suggests a more significant disruption that likely causes annoyance or unhappiness among those affected.

   This phrase is commonly found in colloquial English and is frequently used in informal conversations or storytelling to vividly describe a situation where someone's actions have resulted in an uproar or disturbance, leaving chaos in their wake.

Common Misspellings for RAISED THE DICKENS