eh
verbEtymology Natural exclamation; first recorded mid-16th century. Perhaps an unstressed variant of aye (“yes, yeah”). The Philippine sense is possibly influenced by Tagalog e and/or Spanish eh.
1
To use the interjection eh.
eh
intjalso spelled eHCA, UK /eɪ/ · CA, UK, US /ɛ/
Etymology Natural exclamation; first recorded mid-16th century. Perhaps an unstressed variant of aye (“yes, yeah”). The Philippine sense is possibly influenced by Tagalog e and/or Spanish eh.
1
Australia, Canada, Commonwealth, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, UK, Informal Used as a tag question, to emphasise what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said.
Upper Midwestern US
- These hot dogs are pretty good, eh?
- Well, what dost thou think then of seeing the world? Do ye wish to go round Cape Horn to see any more of it, eh? Can’t ye see the world where you stand?1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick 16
2
In isolation, a request for repetition or clarification of what has just been said.
- —I've been studying Graphiurus murinus. —Eh? Studying what?
3
In isolation, expressing surprise or confusion.
- —You're going to be a dad! —Eh? You're joking!
4
Canada An interjection used to ascertain the continued attention of someone addressed by the speaker.
- I went to the restaurant, eh, but my friends didn't show up.
5
Expressing apathy or lack of enthusiasm; meh.
- —Do you feel like going out tonight? —Eh, I don't know.
- “Look, Mom; I made the real rocket, based on the macaroni prototype!” “…Eh.”2010, Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin, directors, Despicable Me:
6
Philippines Expressing apprehension following or preceding a reasoning or excuse; uh.
- —Why is it like this? —Eh, It's like that eh.