Etymologically
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hein

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Pronunciation

Etymology

It continues inherited from Latin hem (“eh?, hm!”), an interjection expressing various painful feelings and also a question.[2][3][4][5][1] Bloch and Wartburg simply call it an onomatopoeia.[6] Rey adds that “hein” attached to a question or exclamation, a much later use, might continue Old French ainz (“but rather”), from *antius (“sooner”) (see avant), as a nasalized double of “eh !”[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first found as ahene about 1178, and settles in its present spelling in Marivaux (1724).[2]

Semantic evolution

It is used to ask someone to repeat what one has, or pretends to have, misheard, or to explain what was said.[2][4] Added to a question it strengthens it (T'es bien décidé, hein ?), and to a statement it asks for agreement, like n'est-ce pas, or reinforces an order or a threat (Fiche-moi la paix, hein !).[4]

Timeline

  • c. 1178 – Ahene.[2]
  • Mid-15th century – Hen.[2][3]
  • 1691 – Heim.[2][3]
  • 1724 – Hein, in Marivaux.[2]

Meanings

Interjection

  1. (familiar) Eh?, what?, asking for something to be repeated.[4]
  2. (familiar) Added to a question or statement: right?, isn't it?, asking for agreement.[4]
  3. (familiar) Expressing surprise, or strengthening an order or threat.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
  3. ^ a b c Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
  4. ^ a b c d e f 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. 4, 400b
  6. ^ Bloch, Oscar; Wartburg, Walther von (1989), Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, 8th ed., Paris: Presses universitaires de France