hein French · revision 17414

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|formation=onomatopoeia|attested=c. 1178 (ahene)|origins=la hem}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɛ̃/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It continues [[inh|la|hem|t=eh?, hm!]], an interjection expressing various painful feelings and also a question.^(DHLF 1992)^(Grand Robert 2005)^(Petit Robert 2007)^(FEW|4, 400b)^(Wiktionary) Bloch and Wartburg simply call it an onomatopoeia.^(Bloch & Wartburg 1989) Rey adds that “hein” attached to a question or exclamation, a much later use, might continue Old French [[m|fro|ainz|t=but rather]], from [[m|la-vul|*antius|t=sooner]] (see [[avant]]), as a nasalized double of “eh !”^(DHLF 1992)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ It is first found as ''ahene'' about 1178, and settles in its present spelling in Marivaux (1724).^(DHLF 1992)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It is used to ask someone to repeat what one has, or pretends to have, misheard, or to explain what was said.^(DHLF 1992)^(Petit Robert 2007) 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 !'').^(Petit Robert 2007)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1178 – ''Ahene''.^(DHLF 1992)

+ * Mid-15th century – ''Hen''.^(DHLF 1992)^(Grand Robert 2005)

+ * 1691 – ''Heim''.^(DHLF 1992)^(Grand Robert 2005)

+ * 1724 – ''Hein'', in Marivaux.^(DHLF 1992)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Interjection===

+ # ''(familiar)'' Eh?, what?, asking for something to be repeated.^(Petit Robert 2007)

+ # ''(familiar)'' Added to a question or statement: right?, isn't it?, asking for [[m|en|agreement]].^(Petit Robert 2007)

+ # ''(familiar)'' Expressing surprise, or strengthening an order or [[m|en|threat]].^(Petit Robert 2007)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[hem]]

+ * [[eh]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}