What does deviling mean?
"Deviling" is the noun form of the verb "to devil," most familiar today from the kitchen: it names the practice of preparing food — especially eggs, ham, or crab — with hot, pungent seasonings such as mustard, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce. The term arose because the fiery bite of such dishes was humorously likened to the infernal heat associated with the devil, giving the word a vivid, slightly mischievous character that survives in classics like deviled eggs and deviled ham. Beyond cooking, "deviling" can describe the act of teasing, badgering, or tormenting someone, though this sense is now largely informal and somewhat dated. The spelling varies by region: American English uses one L ("deviling"), while British English prefers two ("devilling"). Whether describing a spicy dish or persistent pestering, the word always retains a trace of its devilish origins — an energetic, peppery quality that makes it both descriptive and fun to use.
The culinary technique of preparing food with hot, spicy seasoning.
"The chef's deviling of the crab cakes gave them an unforgettable kick."
Most often encountered in set phrases like "deviled eggs."
Persistent teasing, badgering, or tormenting of a person.
"After hours of his sister's deviling, he finally agreed to play outside."
That fiery kick in your favorite deviled eggs? The name literally traces back to the heat being so intense it was jokingly attributed to the devil himself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deviling
The word derives from "devil," which entered Middle English from Old English "dēofol," itself borrowed from Latin "diabolus" and ultimately Greek "diabolos," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser." The culinary verb "to devil" emerged in English around the late 18th century, when highly spiced food was said to be prepared "in the manner of the devil" on account of its fiery heat. The gerund/noun form "deviling" follows naturally from this verb, while British spelling conventions produced the variant "devilling." Its cognates share the same Greek root, including "diabolical" and related words for fiendish mischief.
Related word forms
How deviling is actually used
"Deviling" in the culinary sense is common in American English; British usage typically doubles the L ("devilling"). The culinary sense carries a playful connotation of fiery flavor, while the harassment sense is informal and slightly old-fashioned.
Easily confused with deviling
"Devilling" is simply the British spelling of the same word, with a double L, whereas "deviling" is the standard American spelling.