what is the origin of "speak of the devil"?

Question

as the person arrives

Answer 1

Meaning

A reference to someone who appears unexpectedly while being talked about.

Origin

This phrase is used to acknowledge the coincidence of someone arriving at a scene just at the time that they are being talked about. Clearly, nothing sinister is implied by this and it is just a jokey way of referring to the person's appearance. In fact, many people using the phrase might not be aware that, prior to the 20th century, the term wasn't meant lightheartedly at all. The full form goes like this - "speak of the Devil and he will appear". The phrase originated in England, where it was, and still is, more often given as 'talk of the Devil'.

The phrase is old and appears in various Latin and Old English texts from the 16th century. The Italian writer Giovanni Torriano has the first recorded version in contemporary English, in 'Piazza Universale', 1666:

"The English say, Talk of the Devil, and he's presently at your elbow."

Also, in 'Cataplus, a mock Poem', 1672 - re-printed in Hazlitt's Proverbs

"Talk of the Devil, and see his horns."

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Answer 2

The phrase is an abbreviation of the Italian proverb which runs, "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."

This may have evolved from the belief that even speaking of the devil and his minions is enough to bring about trouble.

Answer 3

Back in the days of witch hunts, Puritanism, etc., people believed that even simply naming the Devil would call him to you. "If you speak of the devil, he's sure to show up."

Answer 4

It was a form of radar for Satans Imps to use.

Answer 5

Good Questions. Don't know.