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
Contextual Examples
“Speak of the devil—we were just talking about you.”
“Talk of the devil” is a documented modern variant of the same expression.
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.
Meaning Boundary
The modern idiom is triggered by the discussed person appearing; it is not a general phrase for any coincidence.
Practical Use
Use “speak of the devil” when the person you were just discussing unexpectedly appears; “talk of the devil” is also documented.
Tone Boundary
It is conversational and can sound teasing, so use a literal description in formal or sensitive contexts.
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