/ heɪ; NAmE / exclamation ( informal )
1.
used to attract sb's attention or to express interest, surprise or anger :
Hey, can I just ask you something?
Hey, leave my things alone!
2.
used to show that you do not really care about sth or that you think it is not important :
That's the third time I've been late this week - but hey! - who's counting?
3.
( SAfrE ) used at the end of a statement, to show that you have finished speaking, or to form a question or invite sb to reply :
Thanks for your help, hey.
My new bike's nice, hey?
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IDIOMS
- what the hey!
••
WORD ORIGIN
natural exclamation: first recorded in Middle English .