Usage of word "hey"

I think this was originally a regionalism, far more common in the American South than elsewhere. It seems to have become more widespread over the past 15 or 20 years. I know lots and lots of people who never say, "hey" but, rather "hi" or "hello."

Certainly a Southern thing. Moved to NC 18 years ago and that was the first wide spread use of it I had heard.

Now, when I go home to the Midwest, I'm saying "Hey" and everyone else still says "Hi."

"Hey, Look at this!" is short and pronounced "hay.".

"Hey." as in Hi, is long. Gotta draw it out... Haa-aaay.

This reminds of a Far Side cartoon greeting card. A bunch of dogs are barking on the front and there's some comment like "At last, scientists can translate what dogs are really saying to us."

Inside is the same picture of the dogs, but this time each one is saying "Hey!" "Hey!" "Hey!"

Good grief. This thread reminds me of favorite non words and phrases.

Stuff and I reckon.
WOW!
Crickey
Deb's smeg.

Where do those expressions originate?

Piffka, do you remember this Virgil?

http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/partch.htm

Funny man. My dad love him.

Sadly, I don't remember him... but this is hilarious. Entitled "Guess Who?"
Check out his feet!

Cover your eyes? Guess who.

Now THERE's a Valentine's Day surprise!

VIP used to be one of my faves. His cartoons appeared in all the magazines, including Saturday Evening Post.

I can remember in the '40's when someone used "Hey" as a way of asking for attention, another child would remark loftily, "Hay is for horses."

If you're reading the seated gentleman's body language, you're missing something significant if you don't notice how his fingers responded to the stimulus.
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I would go along with the notion that "hey" has a very wide range of applications, not limited to a greeting to someone. Among many:

Calling attention to emphasis: "You can pile sharp objects into the pack, but, hey, you're the one who will be riding that mule."

Urgent call for attention: "Hey! Watch it! You're awfully close to the ledge!"

Verbal expression of sympathy: "Hey, listen to me. You're not the only one who ever went tumbling off the trail and into the canyon."