Etymology Journal ยท S
Speak of the devil
Meaning
- Said when the person you were just talking about happens to walk into the room. It is a way to acknowledge the strange coincidence of the timing.
Lighthearted, knowing
Used in a sentence
- We were just talking about your promotion, speak of the devil.
- Oh, speak of the devil, here comes Dave now.
- I was just wondering where you were, speak of the devil.
The backstory
The full version is often spoken of the devil and he shall appear. It dates back to at least the 17th century and is a superstition that mentioning evil beings might summon them.
Heard in
Nationwide
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