Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

be a devil

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.30 in modern English

Syllables: be a dev-il
IPA

14

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

intj

Used to encourage someone to do something when they are unsure whether they should.

British usage; Informal

Example Sentences

"Just after a woman announcer had read the weather forecast before the BBC's 10 o'clock radio news last night a man was heard to say: “Go on. Be a devil. Give us a bit." The BBC was inundated with calls and letters wishing the happy couple every happiness in their future together."
"You don't need to lose any, but try it. Be a devil."
"I used to say to him, “Wouldn't you care for a sandwich just today, Mr Main? Come on, be a devil. Strike new ground. '"

Usage

British usage
Informal

Questions

What does be a devil mean?: Used to encourage someone to do something when they are unsure whether they should.

How to pronounce be a devil

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “be a devil”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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