Odd meaning of "Narices"

Question

Can someone please explain to me what "Narices" means? Other than that it obviously is the plural of "noses."

I believe it to be only used in Spain since I read it in a Spanish book and can't seem to find it's meaning.

Context in book:

1. "¿Qué narices pasa?"
2. "Amy se preguntaba por qué narices estarían haciendo aquello."

Any help on this would be very much appreciated!

A very nicely set out question Numblado - keep up the good work; definitely worth a vote! :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 21, 2012

Answer 1

Ah there you go - it can mean, 'heck' - maybe subconsciously I had heard it

what the heck is he doing? ¿qué narices está haciendo? * what the heck did he mean? ¿qué narices quiso decir? * what the heck!
¡qué narices! *

I'd be interested to know if it's common in America as well as Spain or if it's regional.

Absolutely fits in with the book! Muchas Gracias!! - rparent62, Jan 21, 2012

sweet :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 21, 2012

Answer 2

less polite version

I'm pretty sure the politeness level goes as follows....narices = heck, demonios/diablos = hell, c-word = f-word. - webdunce, Jan 21, 2012

Thank you. I get the pictures. - chantaneeyip, Aug 24, 2017

Answer 3

I know that 'tener narices' means to have some cheek so possible 'qué narices' means 'what cheek' or by extension 'what the heck?' or something similar - just a guess though!

Now where's S O P A when you need them. - webdunce, Jan 21, 2012