Meaning of the word hey

When you meet someone on the street, maybe a friend or a relative, how do you greet them? Some might choose a formal “Good morning!” with a wave of the hand. Or maybe you want something more casual like “Hello!” with a fist bump or high-five.

Or if you are in the mood for a light chit-chat, you say, “How are you doing?”.

All of these are valid greetings. But one of the most used greetings we hear today is the simple, 3-letter word: ‘Hey!’

3 out of 4 people don’t think it’s rude to call someone “Hey.” Just make sure you say it in a friendly tone of voice and avoid it on formal occasions. In the company of friends and acquaintances, “Hey” is perfectly fine.

Our Survey

Nowadays, “Hey” is used in many different scenarios. But due to its informality, some might find it rude. To find out more we surveyed 105 people in the US.

75% of the respondents said that they would address someone with “Hey”.

25% said that they would not call someone “Hey”. And while those people are only the minority, it’s still worth considering if the word “Hey” is something you shouldn’t say to everybody.

Here’s the meaning of the word “Hey” and how you can use it without rubbing people the wrong way.

The Meaning Behind ‘Hey’

The word “Hey” has plenty of meanings. Right now, Wiktionary has 7 definitions of the word, with 6 entries defining the word as an interjection.

Interestingly, the word “Hey” isn’t unique to the English language. Other languages around the world use similar expressions. All of them loosely translates to “Hey” in English. It shows that the word “Hey” (and others related to it) are all-natural expressions people make.

“Hey” can mean many things. It can be a shout for joy, a sign of protest, or a way to call somebody. It is a versatile term that is used across the globe.

That’s why it is so easy to construe it to mean something rude and undelightful.

So should people remove “Hey” from their vocabulary to avoid appearing ill-mannered?

The good news is that you can keep saying it how many times you want. The fault is not in the word. Rather, it has to do a lot with the speaker.

Your Tone Plays a Big Role

Fun fact: In communication, words make up only 7% of the process. Everything else is reliant on non-verbal communication. And here, we find that the tone of your voice plays 38% in this field. [1]

These rules aren’t meant to be taken as hard, unchanging facts. Instead, interpret them as a guide for better communication.

The way you say your words carry meaning and implication. That’s why the word “Hey” isn’t rude. What makes it rude is how people say it.

For example, you want to call the attention of a friend. If you say “Hey!” in a loud, irritated, and angry voice, then sure, they will think you are rude. But if you say the same word but a little softer and friendlier, then the story changes.

Fortunately, you can master the skill of choosing the appropriate tone for your voice. Here is a quick guide on how to use “Hey” without appearing mean.

How to Say “Hey” (And How Not to Say it)

The Good Way

Let’s first start with how you can use “Hey” without coming off as rude.

A general tip that you can keep in mind is to use “Hey” with other words. Just shouting “Hey!” and expecting the other person to understand you won’t work in your favor.

What you can do instead is combine it in a sentence. Group it with other words or maybe with the receiver’s name.

For example:

“Hey! You forgot your watch!”

“Hey, Jimmy. You look good today.”

“Hey, can you get the lights for me?”

Another tip is to say your greeting, request, or command in a kinder tone. Do your best to control your emotions, especially if you are angry.

Avoid shouting your words or purposely sounding sarcastic.

Instead, if you want to communicate with someone (especially if you are heated), do it politely but directly.

Finally, understand that “Hey” is rude in certain countries and cultures. Some societal norms may not allow certain words and greetings. If you are traveling somewhere you are unfamiliar with, learn about their language. This can help you feel more confident in talking and avoid any awkward encounters.

The Bad Way

Now let’s talk about how not to use the word “Hey”.

First and foremost, avoid using an angry, irritated, or harsh tone. This can make people feel uncomfortable conversing with you. This will also make any word you say sound impolite.

Second, never follow “Hey” with an insult. It’s a given that you should never name call anybody, but you’ll see a lot of rude people using “Hey” followed by an insult.

Some examples include:

“Hey, loser! Give me all your money right now.”

“Hey! You get back into your place, you trash.”

“Hey, it looks like dorkface wants more.”

Never use “Hey” in any formal settings. It’s an informal word and should be reserved with strangers, friends, families, and co-workers.

Saying “Yo” or “Hey” to bosses, leaders, and other important people can come off as disrespectful. We’re pretty sure you don’t want to lose your job.

Conclusion

“Hey” is a versatile word that has plenty of meanings. It can be used as a greeting, an expression, and an insult. Because of its flexibility, some people can find its use to be rude.

But the term itself is not what makes it rude. Rather, it is the way in how a speaker uses it. That’s why if you want to use it in your daily vocabulary, always keep a watch on your tone.

Don’t be scared of using a word because some people find it rude or disrespectful. Know that in today’s world, a lot of people find “Hey” as something normal and expected. What matters the most is the intention you have behind every syllable you make.

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Sources:

[1]: https://ubiquity.acm.org/article.cfm?id=2043156

See also: Hey

English[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

• enPR: hā, IPA^(key): /heɪ/
• Homophone: hay
• Rhymes: -eɪ

Etymology 1[edit]

From Middle English hey, hei, also without h- in ey, from Old English *hē, ēa (interjection), attested as first element in hēlā, ēalā (“O!, alas!, oh!, lo!”). Cognate with Dutch hé, hei (“hi, hey”), German hei (“hey, wow”), Danish and Swedish hej (“hello, hey”), Faroese hey (“hey, hello”), Old Norse, Icelandic and Norwegian hei (“hey”), Polish hej (“hey, hello”), Romanian hei, Russian эй (ej, “hey”); see heigh. Probably a natural expression, as may be inferred from its presence with similar meaning in many other unrelated languages: for example, Burmese ဟေး (he:), Finnish hei, Unami hè, and Mandarin 哎 (āi), and various sound-alikes as Ancient Greek εἶα (eîa) and Latin eia, eho, Sanskrit हे (he). See also hello.

Alternative forms[edit]

• hay
• heigh

Interjection[edit]

hey

1. An exclamation to get attention.

   Hey, look at this!

   Hey! Listen!

2. A protest or reprimand.

   Hey! Stop that!

3. An expression of surprise.

   Hey! This is new!

4. An informal greeting, similar to hi.

   Hey! How’s it going?

5. A request for repetition or explanation; an expression of confusion.

6. Used as a tag question, to emphasise what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said.
7. A meaningless beat marker or extra, filler syllable in song lyrics.

   The chorus is «nana na na, nana na na hey hey hey, goodbye».

Synonyms[edit]

• (exclamation to get attention): oi, yo; see also Thesaurus:hey
• (expression of surprise): blimey, gee whiz, yowzah; see also Thesaurus:wow
• (for repetition or explanation): eh, huh
• (informal greeting): hi, howdy, wotcher; see also Thesaurus:hello

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

See also[edit]

• huh
• hay is for horses
• hey on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Etymology 2[edit]

From French haie (“hedge”), with reference to the weaving patterns used in hedgelaying.

Noun[edit]

hey (plural heys)

1. (country dancing) A choreographic figure in which three or more dancers weave between one another, passing by left and right shoulder alternately.

Translations[edit]

Etymology 3[edit]

See he.

Noun[edit]

hey (plural heys)

1. Alternative spelling of he (“Hebrew letter”)

See also[edit]

• Yah-ta-hey (etymologically unrelated)

Anagrams[edit]

• Yeh, hye, yeh

Faroese[edit]

Etymology[edit]

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): [hɛi]

Interjection[edit]

hey

1. hi, hey, hello

   hey aftur! ― hello again!

   Synonyms: halló, góðan morgun, góðan dag, gott kvøld

   Antonyms: farvæl, vit síggjast

Icelandic[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): /heiː/
• Rhymes: -eiː

Etymology 1[edit]

From Old Norse hey, from Proto-Germanic *hawją.

Noun[edit]

hey n (genitive singular heys, nominative plural hey)

1. (usually uncountable) hay

Declension[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

Interjection[edit]

hey

1. hey

Middle English[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From Old English hīġ, hīeġ, from Proto-West Germanic *hawi, from Proto-Germanic *hawją (“hay”).

Noun[edit]

hey (uncountable)

1. hay

Alternative forms[edit]

• heyȝ, heygh, hay, ay, heyn, hayn, hei, heiȝ, heigh, hai, hain

Descendants[edit]

• English: hay
• Scots: hey
• Yola: hye, hey

References[edit]

• “hei, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.

Etymology 2[edit]

From Old English *hē, ēa. See English hey for more.

Interjection[edit]

hey

1. hey

Alternative forms[edit]

• hay, ay, he, heh, heigh

Descendants[edit]

• English: hey
• Scots: hey
• Yola: ha

References[edit]

• “hei, interj.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.

Etymology 3[edit]

Noun[edit]

hey

1. Alternative form of heye (“hedge”)

Etymology 4[edit]

Noun[edit]

hey (uncountable)

1. Alternative form of hye (“haste”)

Etymology 5[edit]

Pronoun[edit]

hey

1. Alternative form of he (“he”)

Etymology 6[edit]

Pronoun[edit]

hey

1. Alternative form of he (“they”)

Etymology 7[edit]

Verb[edit]

hey (third-person singular simple present heyeth, present participle heyende, heyynge, first-/third-person singular past indicative and past participle heyed)

1. Alternative form of heien (“to lift up”)

Etymology 8[edit]

Pronoun[edit]

hey (comparative heyer, superlative heyest)

1. Alternative form of heigh (“high”)

Portuguese[edit]

Verb[edit]

hey

1. Obsolete spelling of hei

Somali[edit]

Verb[edit]

hey

1. possess

Spanish[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

• ey

Etymology[edit]

Borrowed from English hey.

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): /ˈei/ [ˈei̯]
  • Syllabification: hey
• IPA^(key): (imitating English) /ˈxei/ [ˈxei̯]
• Rhymes: -ei

Interjection[edit]

¡hey!

1. hey!

   Synonyms: eh, oye

[edit]

Yola[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

Noun[edit]

hey

1. Alternative form of hea (“he”)

Etymology 2[edit]

Noun[edit]

hey

1. Alternative form of hye (“hay”)

References[edit]

• Jacob Poole (1867), William Barnes, editor, A Glossary, With some Pieces of Verse, of the old Dialect of the English Colony in the Baronies of Forth and Bargy, County of Wexford, Ireland, London: J. Russell Smith, page 45 & 46

эй!, э-э!, э?, ну!, здорово!, привет!, как дела?

существительное ↓

междометие ↓

Словосочетания

hey diddle diddle — мочеиспускание  
hey-day — восклицание, выражающее удивление; восклицание, выражающее радость; зенит  
hey ho — раз-два; хей-хо; ухнем  
hey-ho — раз-два; хей-хо!; ухнем!  
hey pass — алле-гоп  
hey-pass — алле!  
hey presto — алле-гоп; вуаля!; опля!  
hey-presto — алле!  
reaper for hey — сенокосилка  

Примеры с переводом

Ah ha, hey, hey� WHITEHEAD: In the 20-some years since then, Wadada Leo Smith has expanded his audience by reviving electric Miles Davis music with guitarist Henry Kaiser. ❋ Unknown (2010)

For perhaps, that will be sufficient to have these fatties change their eating life style along with keeping the issue in the light by using the phrase «hey fatso» like we use to in this country. ❋ Unknown (2011)

I think there is a little mistake in the title hey … didn’t you guys / TC slam the flip phone in a product review awhile back!! ❋ Unknown (2009)

Pavin … hey, isn’t that the wife of the U.S. captain? ❋ Cindy Boren (2010)

And then just now it hit me again — hey, I’m playing with Star Wars. ❋ Karenmiller (2009)

[A] cue to idiot punk asking: hey is that Batman in the corner? ❋ Unknown (2010)

With Batman and Robin — hey, I thought it was a really cool read. ❋ Unknown (2009)

But the man finally looks up anyway, and you look back at him to say, hey is this your bag, because if it’s not, whose bag is it? ❋ Melissa Swantkowski (2010)

March 2nd, 2009 at 9: 15 pm hey, is there a section just for latest news ovammixtutt Says: ❋ Unknown (2009)

Pretty well, Bill Owens beat the Teabag Candidate … hey, is there a message in there? also, ❋ Unknown (2010)

I remember I said I was gonna follow her before on Twitter (hey, is what I do, LOL!!) but do you know why I don’t? ❋ Unknown (2009)

Lead based Wall paint again — hey, it helps keep in heat! ❋ Unknown (2009)

And if the Jets and Ravens should both win … hey, the AFC championship would be played in Giants Stadium. ❋ Grrm (2010)

Thu 10/22/09 1: 42 AM hey is the hottest guy on there!! ❋ Unknown (2009)

Okay, I was very impressed near tears by her speech and to be honest she has redeemed herself greatly. .hey from a Canadian to my neighbours down south. .a time to hold your heads high one again awaits you all … ❋ Unknown (2008)

I see people are sayin hey we talk wih ur enamies throughout history. ❋ Unknown (2008)

(If not the family planning part … which, hey, is a way to prevent abortions!) ❋ Unknown (2008)

And hey, is that little Molly Walker standing next to a slightly badass looking Matt Parkman? ❋ Unknown (2008)

Guy at bar to [attractive girl]: «Hey.»
[Attractive girl] to guy: «[Go to hell], creep.» (Moves to other side of bar.) ❋ D.B. Echo (2005)

[hey girl] ❋ PixelGoat (2018)

1. Hey, [what’s up]?
2. HEY! Wait for me!
3. [HEY YOU]! [Get away] from my wife! ❋ Jamesrob92 (2006)

guy 1:Hey Alex [what’s that] guys name over there?
Alex: How the hell should I know?
Guy 1: Hey!!
[Mystery guy]: ::[looks around] confused::
Guy 1: O hi. ❋ SoMe RaNdOm PeRsOn (2005)

[hey man], [what the hell are you doing]?! ❋ Hey Malasadas (2003)

[Hey Ma]…[whats crackin]? ❋ Marshmallow (2005)

[heyyy] you😉 ❋ TheQueen111 (2016)

hey ❋ T-fizzle Dawg (2018)

«Hey.»
«Hey.»
([conversation] [continues] [normally]) ❋ Nate J. (2005)

hey. . . . ❋ CONFEFE (2017)