What is the origin of term as all get out?

The phrase "as all get out" is an American idiom, and its origin is shrouded in some mystery. There's no single, definitive answer, but here's what we know:

* Earliest Recorded Use: The earliest recorded use of the phrase dates back to the late 19th century. The *Oxford English Dictionary* cites an 1883 instance in the *Texas Siftings* newspaper: "He's as mean as all get out."

* Possible Origins:

* "Get Out" as an intensifier: The phrase might have evolved from the use of "get out" as an intensifier, similar to "get along" or "get away with." So, "as all get out" could have meant "as much as one could possibly get out of something."

* "All Get Out" as a single unit: Another theory suggests that "all get out" became a fixed phrase, functioning as a single intensifier unit.

* Folklore: Some speculate that it originated from folk traditions, possibly related to expressions like "as the devil get out."

* Meaning: The phrase expresses an extreme degree or intensity. It's often used to emphasize a quality or characteristic, similar to "very" or "extremely."

In Conclusion: While the precise origin remains unclear, the phrase "as all get out" has become a common and well-established idiom in American English, signifying extreme intensity.