eh

Definition

Used as a tag question, to emphasise what goes before or to request that the listener express an opinion about what has been said.

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.

Example Sentences

• "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?"
• "—I've been studying Graphiurus murinus. —Eh? Studying what?"