The English idiom “speak of the devil” is used to acknowledge the coincidence of someone appearing just after being mentioned. For example, if you are talking about your friend Bob and he suddenly walks in, you can say “Speak of the devil, here’s Bob!”.
The origin of this phrase is not very lighthearted, though. It comes from a superstition that the devil will manifest himself if his name is spoken. The full form of the phrase is “speak of the devil and he will appear”. This was meant to warn people not to talk about the devil or evil things, as it could invite trouble or bad luck. The phrase is very old and can be traced back to Latin and Old English texts from the 16th century.
However, over time, the phrase lost its serious or sinister meaning and became a humorous way of referring to someone’s unexpected arrival. It also changed from “talk of the devil” to “speak of the devil” in American English. The phrase is now used in a friendly or casual manner, without any implication of evil or harm. It is similar to other expressions that comment on coincidences, such as “as luck would have it” or “what a small world”.
The phrase “speak of the devil” is an example of an idiom, which is a figurative expression that has a different meaning from its literal words. Idioms are common in many languages and cultures, and they often reflect the history, beliefs, or customs of a society. Learning idioms can help you understand the nuances and humor of a language, as well as communicate more effectively with native speakers.
Here is a summary of the main points of this explanation:
- “Speak of the devil” is an idiom that means someone appears just after being talked about.
- The phrase originated from a superstition that the devil will appear if his name is spoken.
- The phrase used to be “talk of the devil” and was not meant as a joke.
- The phrase changed over time and became a lighthearted way of commenting on a coincidence.
- The phrase is now used in a friendly or casual way, without any negative connotation.
- The phrase is a figurative expression that has a different meaning from its literal words.
