What the Sam Hill Is Going On Around Here?
I wish this were still on the original document, as I’d love to know the context… The origins of the expression “like Sam Hill” or “What the Sam Hill?” are unclear. The best explanation I’ve seen posited: http://www.word-detective.com/080401.html The explanation of “Sam Hill” is actually pretty simple — it’s an early 19th century American euphemism for “hell” used as an oath. Perhaps due to our Puritan ancestry, Americans have always been especially creative when it comes to inventing linguistic detours…