Hey

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hey

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

exclamation

Pronunciation

hay  /heɪ/

Definition

An exclamation used to attract attention, express surprise, enthusiasm, or protest; used as an informal greeting; used to introduce a remark or question. Also spelled 'hay' in historical contexts.

Plain meaning

Hey is one of the most versatile exclamations in English — used as a greeting, to attract someone's attention, to express surprise or delight, or to introduce a comment. Hey is informal and friendly; it is one of the most common words in everyday spoken English.

Register

Informal. Hey is at home in spoken English, text messages, and casual writing. It is not appropriate in formal or professional written contexts, though it is increasingly used in informal professional email and messaging. The boundary of appropriateness is shifting toward greater informality.