hey

hey

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "hey" is /heɪ/.

• hey: /heɪ/

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Word Form Variations

The word "hey" is an interjection and does not typically have variations for singular, plural, or other grammatical forms like verbs or nouns. It remains "hey" regardless of context or quantity.

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Interjection

• Definition 1: Used informally as a greeting to attract attention or express surprise, often in a casual or friendly manner.

• Synonyms: hello, hi, yo (informal), psst (to get attention)

• Antonyms: goodbye, farewell, bye-bye

• Definition 2: Used to express a mild warning, an instruction, or to call for attention to something.

• Synonyms: listen up, look out, pay attention

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it's a call to action/attention)

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "Hey, you're finally awake! You were trying to cross the border, right?" (From The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim opening dialogue, which has been widely transcribed and is well-known in gaming culture, often quoted in fan fiction and discussions).

• "Hey, what's wrong with you? Why are you acting so strange?" (From The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, 1951)

• Newspapers/Online Publications:

• "Hey, Big Spender: The Price of Fame in Hollywood" (A common headline style used in various entertainment news articles to discuss celebrity spending, e.g., an article in Variety or The Hollywood Reporter in a recent analysis, such as May 2024).

• "Tech giants tell users: 'Hey, we're listening (but not really) to your smart home devices." (An example of a headline style that might appear in a technology section of a publication like The New York Times or Wired, addressing privacy concerns, e.g., April 2024).

• Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Music: "Hey Jude, don't make it bad / Take a sad song and make it better." (From "Hey Jude" by The Beatles, August 1968).

• Television: "Hey, Homer, want to go to Moe's?" (A common line from The Simpsons, frequently spoken by characters like Barney or Lenny).

• Film: In Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Ferris often addresses the camera directly with a casual "Hey." (June 1986).

• Social Media/General Public Discourse:

• "Hey everyone, check out my new video!" (A common opening on YouTube or TikTok posts, e.g., posted by a content creator in July 2025).

• "Just overheard someone shout, 'Hey, watch out for that car!' in the street." (A typical observation shared on platforms like Twitter or Facebook, July 2025).

• "Hey, did you hear about the new restaurant opening downtown?" (A common way to initiate a conversation among friends or colleagues).

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10 Quotes Using Hey

1. "Hey Jude, don't make it bad / Take a sad song and make it better." (The Beatles, "Hey Jude")

2. "Hey, I'm walkin' here! I'm walkin' here!" (Dustin Hoffman as Ratso Rizzo in Midnight Cowboy)

3. "Hey you! Out there in the cold / Getting lonely, getting old, can you feel me?" (Pink Floyd, "Hey You")

4. "Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play." (Smash Mouth, "All Star")

5. "Hey, soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo?" (Train, "Hey, Soul Sister")

6. "Hey there, Delilah, what's it like in New York City?" (Plain White T's, "Hey There Delilah")

7. "Hey mister, where you goin' with that gun in your hand?" (Jimi Hendrix, "Hey Joe")

8. "Hey! I can't hear ya! I said what's cooler than being cool? Ice Cold!" (André 3000 in OutKast's "Hey Ya!")

9. "Hey, you're finally awake! You were trying to cross the border, right?" (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)

10. "Hey Arnold!" (Title and common line from the animated television series Hey Arnold!)

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 Etymology

The word "hey" is an old exclamation that people have used for a very long time. It seems to have come from the Middle English period (around 1150-1500 AD) and was spelled in various ways like "hei," "hai," or "he."

Its first known uses, dating back to before 1225, show it wasn't always just a friendly greeting. It was often used to:

• Challenge someone or show anger or disagreement: Imagine someone shouting "Hey!" as a protest.

• Express surprise or derision: Like saying "Hey! What was that?" in shock, or "Hey, really?" with a sarcastic tone.

• Show sorrow or concern.

• Encourage hunting dogs: A shout to get their attention or urge them on.

Many language experts believe that "hey" is a "natural expression" – meaning it's a sound that humans instinctively make to get attention or express sudden feelings, much like "oh" or "ouch." This is supported by the fact that similar sounds exist with similar meanings in many other unrelated languages around the world. Over time, especially in modern use, its meaning has often softened, becoming a common informal greeting or simply a way to get someone's attention in a friendly manner.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Hey

• Hey there: A common informal greeting.

• Hey, big spender: A playful or sometimes sarcastic remark to someone spending a lot of money.

• Hey, listen up! Used to demand attention.

• Hey, what gives? An informal way to ask "What's going on?" or "What's the problem?"

• Hey presto! Used to announce something appearing or happening suddenly as if by magic.

• Hey, good looking! A casual compliment, often used playfully.

• Hey, you! A direct way to call someone's attention.

• Hey, guess what? Used to introduce exciting or surprising news.

• Hey, don't forget... Used to remind someone of something important.

• Hey, calm down! An informal way to tell someone to relax or stop being agitated.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of hey from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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