Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Social Sciences
  4. / Etymology
  5. / Phrase Origins

by Tigerlily on January 19th, 2006

Tigerlily

Question

Help answer this question below.

Where did the phrase "speak of the devil" come from?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 1 helpful answer below.

  • by jpreppie on January 20th, 2006

    jpreppie

    The phrase "speak of the devil" is a shortened form of the medieval phrase "speak of the devil and he shall come." It was thought that if you talked about the devil it would attract his attention. That is why when you are talking about someone and they show up you say speak of the devil.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading Where did the phrase "speak of the devil" come from?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

Where did the saying speak of the devil come from
Where did the phrase speak of the devil come from
Speak of the devil and he shall come
Speak of the devil and the devil shall come
Where does the phrase speak of the devil come from

Answerbag

a Demand Media company