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What is the difference between eh and hey?

eh | hey |

As interjections the difference between eh and hey

is that eh is used as a tag question, to emphasise what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said while hey is an exclamation to get attention.

As an adjective eh

is of bad quality; mediocre; unremarkable.

As a symbol eH

is symbol for redox potential (in volts).

As a noun hey is

a choreographic figure in which the dancers weave between one another.

eh

English

(wikipedia eh)

Alternative forms

* ay (NZ)

Interjection

(en interjection)
  • (informal, UK, Australia) Used as a tag question, to emphasise what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said.
    • These hot dogs are pretty good, eh?
  • In isolation, a request for repetition or clarification of what has just been said. Compare what'', ''pardon .
  • (Canada) An interjection used to ascertain the continued attention of an individual addressed by the speaker
    • I went to the restaurant, eh , but my friends didn't show up.
  • Expressing apathy or lack of enthusiasm; meh.
    • - Do you feel like going out tonight?
    - Eh , I don't know.

    Usage notes

    In North America this term is stereotypically associated with Canada and some uses of it outside of Canada can convey that you are trying to sound (sarcastically) Canadian. However, it is in wide use in many other parts of the world, including the northern United States, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and South Africa.

    Adjective

  • (informal, predicative only) Of bad quality; mediocre; unremarkable.
    • My French fries were eh .

    Anagrams

    * Canadian English English two-letter words ----

    hey

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (l) * (l)

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • An exclamation to get attention.
    • Hey , look at this!
  • A protest or reprimand.
    • Hey ! Stop that!
  • An expression of surprise.
    • Hey ! This is new!
  • (US, Australia, UK, Canada) An informal greeting, similar to hi.
    • Hey ! How's it going?
  • A request for repetition or explanation; an expression of confusion (see also eh, huh).
    • Hey ? How's that?
  • A meaningless beat marker or extra, filler syllable in song lyrics.
    • The chorus is "nana na na, nana na na hey hey hey, goodbye".

    Related terms

    * heyday * what the hey * hey up

    See also

    * huh * hay is for horses * (wikipedia "hey")

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (country dancing) A choreographic figure in which the dancers weave between one another.

    • Anagrams

    * ----