Hey
/heɪ/noun
A casual greeting or expression of surprise.
Did you know?The word 'hey' is thought to have originated as a call to attract attention, possibly derived from ancient exclamations used in rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
hey
“An exclamation to attract attention or express surprise.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
heill
“A greeting or wish of health.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
hailaz
“To be healthy or whole.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰei-
“To call, to shout.”