helluva

[hel-uh-vuh]

adjective

Informal.

1. hell of a (used as an intensifier).

   We had a helluva time getting through the heavy traffic.

   She's a helluva good player!

helluva

/ ˈhɛləvə /

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   a helluva difficult job

   he's a helluva guy

2. (intensifier)

   it's helluva tough out here

Word History and Origins

Origin of helluva¹

First recorded in 1915–20; a phonetic spelling representation of hell of a in continuous rapid speech

Example Sentences

It’s a helluva lotta crypto, and a helluva lotta openings for revenue via the family’s private trusts.

From Slate

“He had a helluva campaign for a rookie coach. I thought he handled it extremely well.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a post to X on Monday morning, McCain weighed in on the news of Hunter's pardon, writing, "No one is above the law except the president's nepo baby is a helluva parting message for democrats," which amounted to a pointed finger at the president's son and three pointed right back at herself.

From Salon

“You don’t know me,” the coach said, “but you’re going to be a helluva player, man.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’d had a helluva lotta fun across Henderson that day, even though I’d never been there before, much less attended a UFC viewing party in the heart of it all.

From Slate