Hellhole

/ˈhɛlhoʊl/ noun

Definition

An extremely unpleasant, miserable, or dangerous place that feels like hell.

Etymology

Compound of 'hell' (from Old English 'hel,' the underworld) + 'hole' (from Germanic roots). Created as a dramatic intensifier to describe the worst possible location imaginable.

Kelly Says

This word is pure hyperbole, but it shows how English speakers instinctively pair 'hell' with enclosed spaces—we use 'hole' to suggest you're trapped somewhere awful with no escape.

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