History of North America

Where did the Canadian word eh come from?

There are a few theories about where the Canadian word "eh" comes from. One theory is that it comes from the Irish Gaelic word "och," which is an exclamation of surprise or dismay. Another theory is that it comes from the French word "hein," which is used to express surprise or disbelief. Finally, some believe that it comes from the Native American word "eh," which means "yes."

Regardless of its origins, "eh" is now a quintessentially Canadian word. It is used by Canadians of all ages and backgrounds, and it is often considered to be a sign of friendliness and politeness. "Eh" can be used in a variety of ways, but it is most commonly used as a question tag, similar to the way that "you know" or "I mean" are used in other English-speaking countries. For example, a Canadian might say, "I'm going to the store, eh?" or "I like her, eh?"