What Does “Speak Of The Devil” Mean? When To Use It

Idiomatic expressions are used every day in books, movies, podcasts, and even music. There are lots of idiomatic expressions in the English language that you can use. However, for one to correctly use them, there must be a comprehensive knowledge of the expression to avoid misusing them.

The idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” refers to when the object of a discussion arrives unexpectedly during the conversation. When you are talking about a person, and suddenly that person enters the room, you use the expression “speak of the devil.”

Once you have a proper understanding of an idiomatic expression, you will be able to use it to communicate effectively. This article will provide the understanding you require to accurately use the idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” in your sentences.

What Does “Speak Of The Devil” Mean?

Idiomatic expressions are one of the important aspects of the English language and other languages as well. They convey a hidden message to the listener. However, if the listener does not understand the meaning of such an idiomatic expression, he cannot understand the message conveyed.

In this article, we will be discussing the idiomatic expression “speak of the devil.” We will explain the meaning, origin, and correct way to use the expression in a sentence. Idiomatic expressions have been used for centuries, and every language has its unique idiom.

Meaning Of The Idiomatic Expression “Speak Of The Devil”

The idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” refers to when the person you are talking about enters the room suddenly. It means when a person appears immediately after being mentioned.

Another meaning of the idiom is when a certain person appears just when there is a discussion about that person. When you tell someone about something a certain person did, and the person appears, you use the expression “speak of the devil.”

When you use the idiomatic expression “speak of the devil,” when someone you are talking about is immediately seen after the discussion. The expression is used as a reference to someone who comes in immediately after being talked about.

The idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” also means the subject of a discussion has entered the vicinity of the dialogue. For example, you are talking to your friend about one of your classmates, and that classmate suddenly enters the class, you can use the expression “speak of the devil” to describe the situation.

What Is The Origin Of The Idiomatic Expression “Speak Of The Devil”?

The idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” is known to be the short form of the idiom “speak of the devil and he doth appear” or “speak of the devil and he shall appear.” In England, they make use of the expression “talk of the devil.”

Before the 20th century, the expression was used to warn people to avoid mentioning the devil or speaking about him. The phrase is known to have originated from England.

Since the 16th century, the expression has appeared in lots of Latin and Old English texts. The first recorded text of the phrase in Contemporary English is written in 1666, in a compendium of profession called Piazza Universale, by an Italian, Giovanni Torriano.

The expression was later seen in Cataplus, a mock poem written in 1672 and reprinted in Hazlitt’s Proverbs. The idiomatic expression was widely known in the mid-17th century.

Before the expression got its figurative meaning, it was mostly used literally. The expression was used to immortalize the superstitious beliefs of the danger of mentioning the devil by name.

The prohibition of mentioning the devil by name was very strong at that time. There were numerous synonyms of the devil’s name like Prince of darkness, Old Nick, and the horned one.

However, it was said that some people did not believe in the superstition of mentioning the devil’s name. Shakespeare was one of the people who frequently mentioned the devil in his books, like The Comedy of Errors.

The belief was later reinforced by Richard Chenevix Trench, a dean of Westminster, in 1856-1863. In the 19th century, the expression began to appear as a homily warning against eavesdropping in the Stevens Point Journal in February 1892.

Since the 20th century, the idiomatic expression became a reference to someone who unexpectedly appeared while being talked about and has retained its meaning ever since. The idiomatic expression does not have an actual origin, but there are many theories developed.

How Do People Use The Expression “Speak Of The Devil”?

Knowing how to use the idiomatic expression allows you to be able to use it when communicating correctly.

You use the idiomatic expression when referring to a person who just entered the room right after a discussion about that person was made. For example, if you are having a group discussion on something someone did and then the person enters the room, you can say, “speak of the devil.”

The expression is also used when referring to someone being discussed, and the person suddenly makes an appearance in the vicinity of the discussion. You also make use of the expression when you suddenly see the person you were talking about.

You can also use the idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” in a negative sense, for example, oh no, speak of the devil, and here comes Katie. The expression is used not only as an observation but also humorously and superstitiously.

Most times, the expression “speak of the devil” is used in the present continuous tense, “speaking of the devil.” So you can say, speaking of the devil, Joshua just arrived.

Illustrative Examples Of How To Use The Idiomatic Expression

Having explained the meaning, origin, and correct way to use the idiomatic expression “speak of the devil,” we will provide some illustrative examples for more clarity on the expression.

1. We were teasing Jordan about his crush on the endearing new girl, and all of a sudden, Mark just said, speak of the devil, here she comes, so we told Jordan to speak with her and ask her on a date.
2. When we were starting to talk about the incident that happened at the arcade with Jane, she walked in, and I said, speak of the devil; we were talking about you.
3. Speaking of the devil, Luke just walked into the classroom when the whole class talked about the offense he committed since he was considered the harbinger and if he was going to be expelled, so when we all saw him, the entire class became quiet.
4. Most of my classmates hate mathematics, including me, so James said he hopes our teacher does not come today but speak of the devil; our teacher walked into the classroom.
5. We were gathered at the lunch table talking about the football quarterback when he walked into the cafeteria headed straight for our table. Well, speak of the devil.
6. Speaking of the devil, Lucas just walked into the room right when David was getting to the interesting part of the story about Lucas’s experience at the ice cream parlor.
7. My mom is a very endearing but superstitious woman, and she tells me never to mention the devil’s name because she believes that when you speak of the devil, he will physically appear before you.
8. None of my friends were happy with what Joana did at the cafeteria, so when we were discussing and venting our displeasures, Joana showed up, and I hissed and said, speaking of the devil, here she comes.
9. While everyone was talking ill behind the lecturer’s back because he failed almost everyone during the test, he walked into the classroom, and someone said speak of the devil and he appeared.

10. During our lunch break at the office, we talked about people who helped make the company successful and speak of the devil, and the managing director just walked in.

11. Ezra was always holding a grudge against Thomas, so while I was trying to persuade him to talk to Thomas, Thomas entered the room, and I said, speaking of the devil, we were talking about you.

12. Whenever my friends start talking about someone else behind their back, I usually turn a deaf ear because I do not want to find myself in a ‘speak of the devil’ situation.

13. As soon as Ellie started gossiping about Wes to Layla, Wes walked into the room, and Ellie said, speaking of the devil, so they both became quiet immediately.

14. During my conversation with Rhyme at the gym, I asked if she heard about the asinine incident with Julie and then speaking of the devil; Julie was headed in our direction.

Final Thoughts

Your level of understanding of the meaning and use of a word, phrase, proverbs, and idiomatic expression determines how well you will use such a word or expression when writing or talking.

The idiomatic expression “speak of the devil” can be used in your day-to-day conversation with people. Hence, it would be best if you took your time to read this article so that you will be able to communicate effectively with idiomatic expressions.