eh?

Two letters: E and H. So simple on the surface, but, indeed, so intricate. To Canadians, the use of the term "eh?" is without equal in the language. We may attempt to introduce synonyms, but really, it takes essays to give this term its due.

This may shed some light. It is a table demonstrating 10 uses or meanings of the word eh, with examples, to help non-Canadians understand the complexity of this venerated word.

TYPE OF EH	SAMPLE SENTENCE
1. Statement of opinion	Nice day, eh?
2. Statements of fact	It goes over here, eh?
3. Commands	Open the window, eh? Think about it, eh?
4. Exclamations	What a game, eh?
5. Questions	What are they trying to do, eh?
6. To mean ‘pardon’	Eh? What did you say?
7. In fixed expressions	Thanks, eh? I know, eh?
8. Insults	You’re a real snob, eh?
9. Accusations	You took the last piece, eh?
10. Telling a story [the narrative eh]	This guy is up on the 27th floor, eh? then he gets out on the ledge, eh . . .

EH is Canadian, EH?: usage, functions and the identity crisis of EH. by Kailin Wright

With respect, I would like to add an 11th meaning. "Eh" all by itself can also be used in a declarative statement and expresses disbelief, as in "That's stupid, eh?" or "You're joking, eh?"


So, the label "eh?" can have a number of implications. I must confess that, in the context of this blog, most times the latter meaning is what I intend. However, I might not, eh?