Speak of the Devil
“Speak of the devil” is used when the person being discussed unexpectedly appears. Cambridge lists “talk of the devil” alongside it, so the page treats that as a documented modern variant and avoids unsupported origin chronology.
“Speak of the devil” is said when the person you were just discussing appears unexpectedly; Cambridge also records “talk of the devil.”
Key details
Variants
Dictionary-listed form.
Cambridge-listed variant.
Further guidance
Current Meaning
Said when the person you were just talking about appears unexpectedly
History Boundary
This guide establishes present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
Variant Note
A documented modern variant is included where the dictionary entry explicitly records one.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- speak/talk of the devil — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current meaning and speak/talk of the devil variant