hey

hey · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    Used as an informal greeting.

  2. 2.

    Used to attract someone's attention or to express surprise.

  3. 3.

    Used to express protest or objection.

  4. 4.

    Used to express enthusiasm or agreement (often in "hey hey").

Related words

See also: greeting, hello, hi, yo
Synonyms: hello, hi, yo

Etymology

First recorded in Middle English (around 1200), as an exclamation to attract attention. The word is likely of natural origin, being an instinctive vocalization. Similar forms exist across many languages as attention-getting sounds. Its use as an informal greeting became common in American English during the 20th century.