Definitions For Helluv

Etymology 1

From "hell of (a)", like hella"Hella", in Berkeley High School Slang Dictionary, 2004, North Atlantic Books, (originally w:northern california, northern california slang). See also w:hella (word), wikipedia:hella (word).

Adjective

(not comparable) (slang, chiefly, Northern California) {{n-g, Intensifier, signifies an abundance of a thing;}} much or many. : Hey, if you guys get the munchies, there's helluv candy in the cupboard.

Synonyms

mad

Adverb

{{en-adv, -}} (slang, chiefly, Northern California) {{n-g, Intensifier (modifies verbs); to a large extent;}} totally; very much. : Dude, I helluv want to go to the show with you, but I'm soooo grounded. (slang, chiefly, Northern California) {{n-g, Intensifier (modifies adjectives);}} to a large degree; extremely; exceedingly. : That new girl is helluv sexy.

Synonyms

extremely, modifies adjectives wicked (NE US)

Interjection

{{en-interj}} (slang, chiefly, Northern California) for sure, for sure; totally; hell yeah; used as a strong affirmation of something that was just said, accomplished, or revealed. : "Hey, you wanna come to the concert tonight?" "Oh, helluv!"

Usage notes

To many speakers, helluv is the more emphatic or more intensified form of hella.

Related terms

helluva hella hell the hell

Etymology 2

Shortened form, or elision, of phrases like "hell of" or "hell have", approximating casual speech in writing.

Contraction

{{en-cont, -}} (colloquial) Elision of "hell of". (colloquial) Elision of "the hell of". (colloquial) Elision of "hell have"