Etymologically
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eh

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Pronunciation

Etymology

It is an interjection of onomatopoeic origin.[2][3][4][5]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first found as E ! about 1050 in the Vie de saint Alexis.[2][6]

Semantic evolution

It serves to call someone, draw attention or strengthen the word it precedes (eh oui !).[6] Doubled, eh ! eh ! (after 1650), it hints at something left unsaid, ironic or saucy; repeated, it also transcribes laughter.[6][4][2] Eh bien (17th century) marks the speaker's feelings or introduces a new point.[6]

Timeline

  • c. 1050 – E ! in the Vie de saint Alexis.[2]
  • 14th century – The spelling eh.[6]
  • 17th century – Eh bien.[6]
  • After 1650 – Eh ! eh ![6]

Meanings

Interjection

  1. hey: a call to attract attention: Eh ! là-bas ![4]
  2. Strengthening the next word: eh oui !, eh bien.[6][4]
  3. Eh ! eh !: a knowing, ironic or saucy hint; also a transcription of laughter.[4][2]

References

  1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
  3. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
  4. ^ a b c d e Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
  5. ^ Wartburg, Walther von, et al. (1922–2002), Französisches Etymologisches Wörterbuch, 25 vols., Bonn / Leipzig / Basel: Klopp / Teubner / Zbinden, p. 3, 199a
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert